Udhayanidhi handpicks observers for all 234 constituencies as DMK begins preparing for 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly polls

Chennai: The DMK has begun preparatory works for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly polls by appointing observers for all 234 constituencies.

The observers were handpicked by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and his team.

Party sources told DH that naming the observers was the first step towards starting work for the polls. They will visit their respective assembly constituencies and check the preparedness of the party machinery and the effectiveness of the booth committees.

Udhay invested a significant amount of time, the sources said, to finalise observers as he was keen on rewarding those who delivered for the party during the Lok Sabha elections and removing the under-performers. At least 50 to 60 observers who were appointed for the Lok Sabha elections have been shown the door, sources added.

Udhay’s ascension in the government has also led to speculation that he would ensure that a significant chunk of the candidates for the 2026 polls are from the youth wing that he heads by asking senior leaders who are in the evening of their political career to retire.

The speculation is not without any credence. A week ago, Forest Minister K Ponmudy, who was stripped of the Higher Education portfolio, wondered whether he would even get a ticket in 2026, alluding to his age.

“A majority of the observers are youngsters. He (Udhay) feels there is a need to infuse fresh blood,” a senior leader said.

This is to counter actor Vijay, who will formally launch his party, Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam, in Vikravandi on October 27. Udhay’s elevation was also part of the DMK’s strategy to appeal to the young voters, a chunk of whom might favour Vijay owing to his mass appeal.

The coordination committee, which has a mix of senior and experienced leaders, has been quite active in the past few months with Udhay himself chairing meetings with several frontal organisations to prepare them for the polls. 

“He is the virtual no 2 in the party as well apart from the government. He is a party to almost all decisions taken with regard to the party. Though 1.5 years are left for the assembly polls, the leadership doesn’t want to take any chances and is going all out to prepare the party machinery for elections,” another senior leader said.