Huge setback for MK Stalin: Madras High Court rejects plea for 100% VVPAT recount in Kolathur loss

The Madras High Court dismissed DMK president MK Stalin's petition seeking a 100 per cent VVPAT recount in Kolathur, where he lost to TVK candidate VS Babu in the 2026 Tamil Nadu polls.

In a major legal and political setback for the DMK, the Madras High Court on Thursday dismissed a writ petition filed by party president and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin. The petition sought a 100 per cent physical verification and counting of VVPAT slips in the Kolathur Assembly constituency. Stalin had formally challenged the election victory of TVK MLA VS Babu in the 2026 Tamil Nadu state assembly polls, alleging widespread voting irregularities and demanding a complete recount. The court's dismissal leaves Babu's victory fully intact, marking a historic turning point in Chennai's regional politics after Stalin's three-term dominance in the constituency.

Also Read: From MiG-21 to commercial jets – Balakot hero Abhinandan Varthaman quits IAF

Stalin alleged discrepancies in EVM and VVPAT verification

In his petition, Stalin alleged irregularities in the voting process. He claimed that verification of 14 EVMs and VVPAT machines had revealed discrepancies. He sought re-verification of all voting machines used in the constituency.

Stalin also asked for a recount of votes and sought a declaration that Babu’s election be declared void. He wanted the court to declare him the winner of the Kolathur seat.

VS Babu ends Stalin’s winning run in Kolathur

Stalin had represented Kolathur three times and was seeking a fourth consecutive victory from the constituency. However, he lost the seat to Babu of the newly formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election.

Babu won by a margin of 8,795 votes. After the result, Stalin thanked voters and noted that the DMK alliance had secured more than 1.54 crore votes, with a 3.52 per cent difference from the winning party.

Also Read: US warns EB-1 green cards for Indians may shut down within weeks

VS Babu credits Vijay and local connection for victory

Babu attributed his victory to TVK chief Vijay and his connection with local voters. He also pointed to the desire for change among people in Tamil Nadu.

"I have won only with our leader. Our leader's face is the face of Tamil Nadu. People wanted a change, and they have changed this. I was born and brought up in that area. We know the pulse of people. It's we who made him (MK Stalin) enter Kolathur. He doesn't know anyone in Kolathur. Whether he is CM or MLA, he should mingle with the local people first. People are watching it," VS Babu told ANI.

Also Read: 'Will sanction them too': US reacts to PM Modi-Iran talks, warns against trade deal

Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in india news and world news on Zee News.