AIADMK Finalizes 2026 TN Poll List; High-Profile Chennai Battles Set

The AIADMK has unveiled its third and final list of candidates for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, covering the remaining 17 constituencies. This list finalizes the party's slate for 167 seats, with a particular focus on completing nominations for key urban segments in Chennai. The announcement sets the stage for major electoral clashes, including a direct contest between AIADMK's P. Chandan Krishnan and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin in Kolathur. Another highlight is the battle in Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni, where Adhi Rajaram will challenge Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin.

Key Points: AIADMK Final Candidate List for Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026

  • Final list for 17 seats completes AIADMK's 167 candidates
  • Key battles in Chennai against top DMK leaders
  • P. Chandan Krishnan to challenge CM M.K. Stalin in Kolathur
  • Adhi Rajaram to face Dy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin in Chepauk
2 min read

TN polls: AIADMK releases final candidate list; high-profile contests in Chennai

AIADMK releases final candidate list for TN 2026 polls, setting up direct contests against CM Stalin and Dy CM Udhayanidhi in Chennai.

"The final phase assumes significance as it covers key urban segments, particularly in Chennai, where several high-profile contests are expected. - Report"

Chennai, March 29

The AIADMK has announced its final list of candidates for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026, confirming that the party will contest 167 constituencies across the state.

With this, the AIADMK has completed its candidate selection process in three phases, having earlier released names for 150 constituencies in two separate lists.

AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami unveiled the third and final list on Saturday, announcing candidates for the remaining 17 constituencies.

The final phase assumes significance as it covers key urban segments, particularly in Chennai, where several high-profile contests are expected.

Notably, candidates for 12 Chennai constituencies --excluding Royapuram -- had not been declared in the earlier phases. The latest list fills this gap, completing the party's slate for the capital region.

Among the prominent nominees are P. Valarmathi (Thousand Lights), Gokul Indira (Anna Nagar), Adhi Rajaram (Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni), R. Mano (Harbour/Royapuram), and V.N. Ravi (Virugambakkam).

Other candidates include Sathyanarayanan (T. Nagar), M.K. Ashok (Velachery), K.P. Kandan (Sholinganallur), R.S. Rajesh (R.K. Nagar), and S.R. Vijayakumar (Villivakkam).

In a notable alliance arrangement, the Thiru-Vi-Ka Nagar (reserved) constituency has been allotted to the Tamil Maanila Bahujan Samaj Party. Porkodi Armstrong, wife of the late Armstrong, will contest from the constituency on the AIADMK's iconic "Two Leaves" symbol, reflecting coordination within the alliance framework.

The list also includes Abhishek Rengasamy as an Independent candidate backed by the AIADMK in Egmore, along with nominees in constituencies such as Alandur, Kolathur, and Alangudi.

A major highlight of the announcement is the emergence of high-stakes electoral battles involving top leaders of the ruling DMK.

In Kolathur, AIADMK has fielded P. Chandan Krishnan against Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, setting the stage for a keenly watched contest.

Meanwhile, in Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni, Adhi Rajaram will take on Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin.

Interestingly, Adhi Rajaram had previously contested against M.K. Stalin in Kolathur during the 2021 Assembly elections, securing 35,138 votes. He also faced Stalin in the 2006 elections in Thousand Lights, where he lost by a margin of 2,468 votes.

With the final list now out, the AIADMK has signalled its readiness for an intense electoral battle, particularly in Chennai, where several constituencies are expected to witness closely fought contests between the Dravidian majors.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Interesting to see Adhi Rajaram taking on Udhayanidhi Stalin in Chepauk. He has faced MK Stalin twice before. Does that experience give him an edge? 🤔 The Chennai battles are going to be very heated. Hope the focus remains on development issues.
V
Vikram M
As a Chennai resident, I'm just glad the candidate uncertainty is over. Now we can actually hear their plans for the city. Traffic, water, and infrastructure should be the top agenda, not just symbolic fights.
S
Sarah B
Observing from outside, the candidate selection process seems very strategic. Fielding someone against the CM directly is a bold move. The "Two Leaves" symbol backing an independent in Egmore is also a clever tactical play.
A
Aditi M
Respectfully, I wish parties would finalize lists much earlier. This last-minute announcement for key Chennai seats doesn't give voters much time to properly evaluate the candidates. The process should be more transparent and timely.
K
Karthik V
Strong list for Chennai! Anna Nagar, T.Nagar, Velachery... all important seats. The battle of the giants begins. May the best team win! 🍃 Excited for a good democratic contest. Let's hope for a high voter turnout.

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