V. S. Babu

V. S. Babu, 75, is a veteran Tamil Nadu politician with nearly two decades of legislative experience. He was first elected to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly from Purasawalkam constituency in 2006 as a DMK candidate. After a long association with the DMK, he made a significant political shift on February 7, 2026, by joining actor Vijay's newly formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). Now contesting from Kolathur, he faces a formidable challenge against Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, who has held this constituency for three consecutive terms since 2011. With assets worth ₹3.67 crores and no criminal cases on record, Babu presents a clean profile on paper. However, his new party TVK is embroiled in serious controversy following the tragic September 27, 2025 crowd crush at a Karur rally that killed 41 people. Tamil Nadu Police filed criminal proceedings against TVK leaders, including charges of culpable homicide and endangering public safety, though party chief Vijay was not directly named. Despite this setback, TVK has positioned itself as a potential third force with an ambitious manifesto promising extensive welfare schemes, including ₹2,500 monthly assistance for homemakers, unemployment aid, free electricity, and a goal to transform Tamil Nadu into a $1.5 trillion economy by 2036. Babu's candidacy represents TVK's attempt to leverage actor Vijay's massive popularity and youth appeal against established political forces. The party is particularly targeting first-time voters and urban youth, with opinion polls suggesting TVK could win anywhere from 3 to 50 seats. However, defeating a sitting Chief Minister in his own bastion remains a steep uphill battle. Voters in Kolathur must weigh Babu's legislative experience and his party's welfare promises against the serious questions raised by the Karur tragedy and the untested nature of this new political formation.