Tamil Nadu election 2026: Only structured party machinery with popularity can ensure success, says Thousand Lights DMK MLA Ezhilan

In an exclusive interview, DMK MLA Ezhilan discusses Tamil Nadu's 2026 elections, party structure, and local governance challenges.

Any popular personality entering politics will attract limelight. But only a structured party machinery combined with popularity can ensure success, observes Thousand Lights DMK MLA N. Ezhilan. During a freewheeling conversation with The Hindu, Dr. Ezhilan spoke about his constituency in Chennai, key developmental issues in the capital city and broader political questions. Here below are the excerpts.

Thousand Lights is a highly urbanised constituency. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had contested several times from here. Having completed five years as MLA, how do you assess your tenure?

Thousand Lights is a historical constituency. Arignar Anna [C.N. Annadurai] lived here. The first mid-day meal scheme by Sir Pitti Theagarayar began at a school here. Justice Party leader A.T. Panneerselvam and Muthamizh Arignar Kalaignar [M. Karunanidhi] lived in this Assembly segment. In 2021, the Chief Minister gave me his constituency to provide an opportunity for professionals and social activists. In the first few months, I conducted inspections across departments such as Electricity, Metro Water and Sewage, Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), and the Habitat Board [TNUHDB].

Thousand Lights is also a low-lying area. When I presented flood mitigation issues before the Thiruppugazh Committee, it was pointed out that stormwater drains and sewage lines were being used interchangeably, leading to overflow during rains. To address this, we created 30 km of stormwater drains and cleared the Mambalam and Puliyur canals. Embankments were strengthened and sewage inlets plugged to ensure free flow of water. We took up sewer line expansion. During the 2015 Chennai floods, 42 locations faced waterlogging. This was reduced to 16, and now limited to just two places.

Many residents say you are accessible and responsive to grievances. Why is accessibility important for an MLA and how do you ensure this?

People come to an MLA with their primordial problems and expect them to solve burning issues. So, I formed the ‘Thousand Lights Joint Action Committee Group’ with officials such as AE, AEE, EE, zonal heads and secretaries. People send me photos of issues on WhatsApp, I share them in the group, and officials respond quickly since senior officers are monitoring it.