Chennai: The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) is grappling with internal unrest in the Tambaram Assembly constituency after sitting MLA S R Raja was denied renomination, sparking protests among party cadres and exposing rifts within the local unit ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026.

Instead of Raja, the DMK has fielded Dr Krithika Devi, a newcomer to electoral politics, as its candidate for Tambaram. The decision surprised many party members, particularly Raja’s supporters, who had anticipated continuity given his long-standing presence and electoral track record in the constituency.

Grassroots workers have voiced strong discontent, viewing the leadership’s move as abrupt and unexplained. Many party functionaries warned that replacing an experienced leader at this stage could disrupt local party networks and potentially affect DMK’s election campaign momentum in Tambaram.

Protests erupt over candidate change

Tensions spilt into the streets late Saturday night when hundreds of Raja’s supporters gathered in Irumbuliyur, marching to the residence of senior DMK leader and Treasurer T R Baalu, staging a noisy demonstration that continued for hours.

The protesters raised slogans demanding the replacement of Dr Krithika Devi, arguing that the new candidate lacks familiarity with the constituency.

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“She does not know the ground reality, the number of wards, or even the ward secretaries. How can she contest?” questioned agitated supporters.

Supporters pleaded for Raja’s renomination, with some appealing, “We fall at your feet; please give the opportunity to S R Raja again.”

DMK leadership responds

The situation intensified when S R Raja personally arrived at T R Baalu’s residence for direct talks, holding a closed-door meeting with the senior leader. Following the meeting, T R Baalu addressed the protesters:

“I have known Raja since his childhood. I did try on his behalf. However, the party president, M K Stalin, has made a decision, and there will be valid reasons for it. There is a possibility that Raja will be given another responsibility.”

Despite leadership intervention, dissatisfaction continues to simmer, with sporadic protests still reported across the constituency.

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Implications for DMK’s Tambaram campaign

The episode adds uncertainty to DMK’s campaign in Tambaram at a critical juncture. Political analysts suggest that prolonged internal dissent could affect the party’s prospects in this key Tamil Nadu constituency, making it a closely watched battleground in the upcoming Assembly elections 2026.

Party observers are monitoring the situation, noting that how the DMK addresses the unrest may significantly influence voter sentiment in Tambaram.

IANS