Tamil Nadu Assembly election: DMK announces candidates for 164 constituencies

DMK announces candidates for 164 constituencies in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, including key figures M.K. Stalin and Udhayanidhi Stalin.

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Saturday (March 28, 2026) announced the list of 164 candidates who will be contesting the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin will once again contest from the Kolathur and Chepauk-Tiruvallikeni constituencies, respectively. 

Mr. Stalin has been representing the Kolathur constituency since its creation following delimitation. He won the seat in 2011, 2016, and 2021, and will now be contesting from there for the fourth time.

DMK’s Karthik Mohan is set to contest from the Villivakkam constituency, where he is likely to face Aadhav Arjuna, a once-close associate of Udhayanidhi Stalin who previously worked as a strategist for the DMK before entering full-time politics. Mr. Arjuna is now with actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

The party has also fielded Vinoth Gandhi, son of Textiles and Handlooms Minister, R. Gandhi, in Ranipet constituency. Mr. Gandhi, however, has not been allotted a constituency. 

Similarly, senior DMK leader K. Ponmudy’s son, Gautham Sigamani, has been fielded from the Thirukoilur constituency. Mr. Ponmudy has also been denied a seat this time. DMK leader N. Chitrarasu will contest from the Anna Nagar constituency. 

Notably, former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam is set to contest from Bodinayakanur, while V. Senthilbalaji has shifted from Karur to Coimbatore South, where he will face Amman Arjunan of the AIADMK in a direct contest.