MYLAPORE

The Mylapore constituency in Chennai witnessed significant political and developmental activity from 2021 to 2026. Dha. Velu of the DMK won the seat in the 2021 Assembly elections, defeating AIADMK's R. Nataraj by 12,633 votes with a 44.95% vote share, marking a DMK gain in this culturally significant constituency. During his tenure, the area saw several infrastructure improvements including new stormwater drains constructed in November 2024 to address chronic flooding issues in Mylapore and Mandaveli. The constituency also benefited from state-wide initiatives like the 'Ungaludan Stalin' programme launched in July 2025, which brought 40+ government services to citizens' doorsteps, and the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai Scheme providing ₹1,000 monthly assistance to eligible women. Major regional infrastructure projects progressed, including the Chennai Peripheral Road (₹125,000 million) and Outer Ring Road Phase II, though the Chennai-Bengaluru Expressway faced delays until mid-2026 due to legal disputes. However, the tenure was marked by significant controversies and unfulfilled promises. In April 2026, fisherfolk from Srinivasapuram and Mullikkuppam staged protests wearing black masks against MLA Velu for failing to deliver on key 2021 election promises, particularly the rebuilding of Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board tenements. They also opposed the proposed Marina Business Centre near their villages, fearing it would impact their livelihoods. While the MLA claimed to have addressed flooding through storm water drains, residents in some areas continued to face monsoon flooding problems. Other persistent issues included traffic congestion despite one-way street implementations, solid waste management problems, and concerns about eviction plans affecting fishermen's access to the shore for their boats. On the development front, the TNUHDB unveiled a revised housing redevelopment plan in 2024 to accommodate 1,400 families and over 2,000 street dwellers, offering ₹24,000 compensation to affected residents. Educational infrastructure remained strong with prominent schools like National Public School, Vidya Mandir, and Sir Sivaswami Kalalaya providing quality education. Healthcare access continued through government medical colleges and private hospitals like Apollo and MIOT International. The constituency also benefited from the Midday Meal Scheme and MSME support programs promoting small business growth. As Mylapore heads into the April 23, 2026 elections with 194,731 registered electors, voters face a multi-cornered contest between DMK's Dha. Velu seeking re-election, BJP's Tamilisai Soundararajan, NTK's R.L. Arun Iyengar, and TVK's P. Venkataraman. Voters should consider both the developmental progress in infrastructure and social welfare schemes against the backdrop of unfulfilled promises to fishing communities, persistent flooding and traffic issues, and the need for better solid waste management. The constituency's rich heritage, including Kapaleeshwarar Temple and St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica, and its untapped tourism potential remain areas requiring attention.