Tamil Nadu Polls 2026: DMDK announces 10 candidates; Fields Premalatha from Vijayakanth’s Bastion

DDMK has named 10 candidates for Tamil Nadu polls, fielding Premalatha Vijayakanth from Vridhachalam, signalling a mix of legacy and new leadership.

Post Published By: Ayushi Bisht

Updated : 28 March 2026, 9:02 PM IST

The decision to field Premalatha from Vridhachalam is seen as a emotional move

Chennai: The Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) on Saturday announced its list of 10 candidates for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, outlining a strategy that combines experience with generational transition.

The party, a constituent of the DMK-led alliance, is contesting a limited number of seats while aiming to consolidate its traditional support base.

Premalatha to Contest from Vijayakanth’s Bastion

At the centre of the list is party general secretary Premalatha Vijayakanth, who will contest from Vridhachalam. The constituency holds strong emotional significance for the party, as it is closely linked to its founder Vijayakanth, popularly known as “Captain.”

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The decision is seen as an effort to reconnect with party workers and reinforce the legacy of its late leader.

Next Generation Gets Prominent Role

Highlighting a push towards younger leadership, the party has fielded V. Vijaya Prabhakaran from Virudhunagar. His candidature signals an attempt by the party to balance continuity with renewal as it navigates a competitive political landscape.

Mix of Experienced Leaders in Key Seats

The DMDK list also features several seasoned leaders and former legislators. V. Elangovan will contest from Dharmapuri, while former MLA R. Mohanraj has been nominated from Salem (West).

Other candidates include A.R. Elangovan (Omalur), L. Venkatesan (Mailam), D. Murugesan (Pallavaram), D. Krishnamurthy (Tiruttani), K.B. Prathab (Gudiyatham), and T.P. Saravanan (Polur).

Alliance Strategy and Electoral Focus

The party is contesting these seats as part of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led Secular Progressive Alliance. Party leaders confirmed that all candidates will contest under the DMDK’s traditional ‘Murasu’ (drum) symbol.

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Observers note that the selection reflects a focused approach aimed at strengthening influence in specific constituencies rather than expanding broadly.

Balancing Legacy with Relevance

With the elections approaching, the DMDK’s candidate announcement underscores its effort to leverage the enduring appeal of Vijayakanth while promoting new leadership.

The strategy reflects a calibrated attempt to remain relevant within the alliance framework and convert its legacy support into electoral gains.