Latha Balu

Latha Balu, 49, is the DMK candidate for the Ariyalur Assembly constituency in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections scheduled for April 23, 2026. A postgraduate with declared professions in social services, politics, and tailoring training, she declares assets of ₹1.51 crore with liabilities of ₹8.23 lakh, though data discrepancies exist that raise questions about the accuracy of financial declarations. She enters the electoral fray in a constituency with significant DMK history—the party won Ariyalur three times (1977, 1980, 1989) though AIADMK has also captured it twice (2001, 2011). In the most recent 2021 election, DMK's K. Chinnappa narrowly won with 103,975 votes (46.45%) against AIADMK's Rajendran S who received 100,741 votes (45.01%), indicating a highly competitive seat. Latha Balu's candidacy comes amid a complex political environment for the DMK. While the party, led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, has implemented popular welfare schemes including pension reforms and women-centric programs, it also faces corruption allegations that have put DMK leaders under scrutiny. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has publicly criticized DMK leaders regarding alleged corruption in TASMAC tenders and cash-for-jobs scams, creating a climate of heightened political accountability. The broader political environment includes high-profile cases like the Senthil Balaji cash-for-jobs investigation by the Enforcement Directorate, though Latha Balu herself has not been directly named in these controversies. The 2026 election presents new challenges beyond the traditional DMK-AIADMK rivalry. Actor-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has emerged as a significant third force, particularly appealing to youth and urban voters. Latha Balu faces competition from T.S. Rajendran (AIADMK+), D. Pugazhendhi (NTK), and M. Sivakumar (TVK). Opinion polls indicate a tight race statewide, with some surveys showing DMK+ slightly ahead while others favor the NDA alliance, and TVK's impact remains a wildcard that could reshape traditional voting patterns. Voters should be aware of the financial and criminal case discrepancies between official affidavit data and other sources, which require clarification. They should also consider both the DMK's governance record on welfare schemes and development alongside the corruption allegations that have surrounded the party leadership. As a first-time candidate in a historically competitive constituency facing a multi-cornered contest, Latha Balu's electoral prospects depend heavily on DMK's organizational strength and her ability to navigate local issues while addressing broader concerns about governance and transparency.