Velu. Dha

Dha Velu is a veteran DMK politician representing the Mylapore constituency in Chennai since 2021. Born on March 15, 1951, in Koovanur near Manalurpet in Kallakurichi district to a Telugu Gavara Balija family, Velu's political journey began from humble origins as a pump repairman and bus conductor with Dhamodharan Bus Services in Tiruvannamalai. His early political career was with the AIADMK when it was founded, where he rose to become deputy organizer for Thandarambattu before switching to the DMK. Velu's ministerial experience is significant, having served as Minister for Food and Civil Supplies under Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi from 2006 to 2011. After winning the Mylapore seat in 2021 with 68,392 votes (44.95%), defeating AIADMK's R. Nataraj by 12,633 votes, he was appointed Minister of Public Works, Highways and Minor Ports in M.K. Stalin's government. His ministerial portfolio has given him exposure to infrastructure and development issues, though voters in Mylapore have raised concerns about persistent flooding and housing allocation for slum dwellers. The 2026 election presents Velu with his toughest challenge yet, facing BJP's former Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan in a constituency with changing demographics—an influx of IT professionals and young migrants alongside traditional residents concerned with heritage conservation. While Velu has emphasized addressing urban development, tourism potential, and claims infrastructure improvements like storm water drains, critics point to ongoing civic issues. His campaign strategy includes direct community engagement through face-to-face meetings and street-level campaigns. Voters should note a discrepancy between his affidavit and public records: while his affidavit lists his age as 55 and profession as 'Lawyer,' biographical sources indicate he was born in 1951 (making him 73-74 years old) and his career trajectory shows no legal practice, instead documenting a path from bus conductor to full-time politician. With declared assets of ₹5.65 crores and no criminal cases, Velu presents as a clean candidate with extensive ministerial experience, though questions about accurate disclosure and delivery on local issues remain relevant for voters.