Kolathur 2026: Can CM Stalin Retain His Stronghold for Fourth Term?

• Kolathur, a high-profile constituency in Chennai, is set for the 2026 Assembly election, with CM MK Stalin expected to contest for a fourth consecutive term.
• The constituency has been a DMK stronghold for over a decade, consistently favoring the party in recent elections, including Stalin's significant win in 2021 by over 70,000 votes.
• Key issues for voters include urban infrastructure (road connectivity, drainage, flood mitigation), housing, basic amenities, employment, skill development, healthcare, and education access.
• The contest is traditionally bipolar between DMK and AIADMK, with smaller parties struggling to pose a serious challenge.
• DMK will highlight development projects and welfare initiatives, while opposition parties may focus on urban congestion and cost of living.