DMK president and outgoing Chief Minister M.K. Stalin received a rousing reception on Tuesday (May 5, 2026), when he visited the Kolathur constituency to thank voters. Mr. Stalin, who had advised party candidates to visit their constituencies to meet and thank voters, set an example by visiting Kolathur, where he lost to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) candidate V.S. Babu, a former DMK leader and district secretary.`

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There was spontaneous response from the public, with large crowds gathering and slowing the movement of Mr. Stalin’s vehicle to a crawl. Many party workers turned emotional and were seen shedding tears, while a visibly moved Mr. Stalin, standing on an open-top vehicle, urged them not to weep. Former Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister P.K. Sekarbabu, who accompanied Mr. Stalin, was also seen in tears throughout the visit.

The visit resembled a victory celebration, with the crowd hailing him as “Chief Minister” and “Thalaivar Stalin”, “Makkalai Vendra Maveerar (a warrior who won the hearts of the people),” they shouted.

Mr. Stalin, who first entered the Assembly by winning the Thousand Lights constituency, later shifted to Kolathur after delimitation. He won three elections in 2011, 2016, and 2021 from the constituency and nurtured it consistently. Even as Chief Minister, he made it a point to visit the constituency at least once a week.

Many voters also recalled his contributions to the constituency, including the construction of flyovers, community halls, and other facilities. Several of them grew emotional while speaking about his work.

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In a message, Mr. Stalin said his relationship with Kolathur transcends electoral victories and defeats. “The people of the constituency supported me for 15 years. I implemented schemes and projects for the constituency for 10 years while in the Opposition and for five years as Chief Minister,” he said.

Mr. Stalin said he met and thanked the people with the pride of having created infrastructure that has made Kolathur a model constituency and fulfilled its key demands. “I felt a sense of fulfilment as I went through every street and saw the sports grounds, parks, libraries, marriage halls, bus stands, hospitals, schools, and colleges that were created during my tenure. I will remain true to the people of the constituency, who became emotional as they accepted my thanks,” he added.