Tamil Nadu polls: Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin files nomination, begins campaign in Chepauk-Triplicane

CHENNAI: Deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin said on Thursday that Chennai has always been a DMK fort and that it would remain so in future too.

Udhayanidhi who filed his nomination to contest from Chepauk -Triplicane constituency, declaring total assets worth 20.64 crore, commenced his campaign, travelling in an open autorickshaw.

Accompanied by Chennai Central MP Dayanidhi Maran, he greeted people all along the way. He was given a rousing reception by party men, who showered flowers, garlanded him and adorned him with shawls all along the way.

With DMK's campaign song playing in the background, Udhayanidhi went around two wards with folded hands, seeking votes. This is the second consecutive time that Udhayanidhi is contesting in Chepauk-Triplicane.

Speaking to reporters after the campaign, Udhayanidhi said Chennai was DMK's fort and it cannot be breached by anyone. "Our chief minister (M K Stalin) and our govt have done a lot for Chennai. The Vada Chennai Valarchi Thittam was brought by us. Chennai's infrastructure witnessed a massive makeover under DMK's rule,'' he said.

Asked about the victory margin he hopes to achieve, Udhayanidhi said this time the margin will be much higher.

In 2021, he won with a margin of 69,000 votes. "Seeing the reception I got today, I think I will win with a much higher vote margin," Udhayanidhi said.