Who Is VS Babu, TVK Leader Who Is Leading Against Tamil Nadu CM Stalin?

In a dramatic twist in Tamil Nadu's political landscape, veteran leader V. S. Babu has surged into the spotlight after establishing a decisive lead over Chief Minister M. K. Stalin in the high-profile Kolathur constituency.

A Stunning Electoral Upset in the Making

As counting progressed past 13 rounds, Babu emerged ahead with 68,419 votes, while Stalin trailed with 60,688 votes-a gap of 7,731 votes. The trend signalled what could become one of the most significant upsets of the election, given Kolathur has long been considered Stalin's stronghold.

Stalin had won the seat in 2011, 2016 and 2021.

From DMK Veteran to TVK Challenger

At 75, V. S. Babu is no stranger to electoral politics. A seasoned figure with over two decades of experience, he began his legislative journey with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. He served as the MLA for Purasawalkam between 2006 and 2011, winning that election by a massive margin of over 90,000 votes against his All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam rival.

In a significant political shift, Babu joined Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), the party founded by actor-turned-politician Vijay, on February 7, 2026. His move was seen as part of a broader strategy by TVK to bring experienced leaders into its fold ahead of its electoral debut.

Experience Meets New Political Momentum

Babu's candidacy reflects a blend of political experience and the fresh appeal of TVK. His earlier tenure as an MLA and long-standing grassroots connect appear to have worked in his favour in Kolathur, where he has managed to mount a strong challenge against one of the state's most powerful politician.

According to his 2026 election affidavit, Babu has declared assets worth ₹3.7 crore, indicating a modest financial profile compared to many contemporary politicians.

Part of a Wider Electoral Shift

Babu's performance is not an isolated case. Early trends across constituencies suggest a broader churn in Tamil Nadu politics. TVK candidates have posted significant leads in several seats, including Madhavaram, where M. L. Vijayprabhu crossed a massive margin of over 60,000 votes.

In contrast, many candidates from the DMK have struggled to secure commanding margins, with only a handful crossing the 20,000 mark in early rounds.
A Defining Moment

For V. S. Babu, the Kolathur contest could mark the pinnacle of a long political career. Defeating a sitting Chief Minister is no small feat, and if the trend holds, it will not only redefine his legacy but also signal a shifting political tide in Tamil Nadu.

As counting continues, all eyes remain on Kolathur-where a veteran challenger may be scripting one of the most remarkable victories in recent electoral history.