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DMK chief M. K. Stalin announced 164 candidates for Tamil Nadu assembly elections, featuring over 60 newcomers. The list blends veterans and fresh faces, but includes only 18 women candidates.
DMK gives seats to more than 60 fresh faces
Chennai: The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Saturday announced its list of candidates for all 164 constituencies it will contest in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections scheduled for April 23.
Party president and Chief Minister M. K. Stalin unveiled the list after concluding seat-sharing arrangements with alliance partners. The final lineup reflects a balance between experienced leaders, sitting MLAs, and a significant number of first-time contestants.
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A notable feature of the list is the inclusion of over 60 new faces, signalling the party’s attempt to refresh its electoral base. According to party data, the candidates include professionals such as advocates, engineers, doctors, and PhD holders.
Senior leaders will largely retain their constituencies. M. K. Stalin will seek re-election from Kolathur, while Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin will contest again from Chepauk.
சட்டப்பேரவைத் தேர்தல் - 2026
திராவிட முன்னேற்றக் கழக வேட்பாளர்கள் பட்டியல்!#DMKWins2026 pic.twitter.com/nOUIoKA4Dk
— DMK (@arivalayam) March 28, 2026
Among significant developments, former minister V Senthil Balaji has been shifted from Karur to Coimbatore South, a move seen as strategic given the party’s weak performance in the Coimbatore region in the last election.
Veteran leader Duraimurugan has been renominated from Katpadi despite speculation over his health. Meanwhile, some senior leaders have made way for the next generation, with tickets allotted to family members in select constituencies.
Former AIADMK leader O. Panneerselvam, who recently aligned with the DMK, will contest from Bodinayakkanur.
Out of the 164 candidates, only 18 are women, drawing attention amid ongoing discussions on women’s political representation. The number falls short of the proposed 33% reservation benchmark under the 106th Constitutional Amendment.
The announcement follows the DMK-led alliance’s seat-sharing agreement, under which allies including Congress, Left parties, VCK, and DMDK have been allocated 70 constituencies collectively.
Addressing concerns over delays, M. K. Stalin said consultations with allies required time, emphasising that the party prioritised consensus in forming a broader coalition.
