Chennai, March 1: Sources within the DMK have indicated that party leader and Thoothukudi MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi may contest the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections from the Tiruchendur constituency. If confirmed, this would mark her return to state-level electoral politics and signal efforts to strengthen the ruling party’s base in Tamil Nadu.
According to senior DMK sources, Kanimozhi could replace the current MLA, Anita Radhakrishnan, who serves as the state’s Fisheries Minister. Reports suggest that Radhakrishnan has informed party leadership of her decision not to contest the upcoming elections due to health issues.
While there has been no official announcement from the DMK headquarters, ongoing discussions within the party suggest that leadership is seriously considering Kanimozhi as a candidate from the coastal constituency.
Speculation intensified following a recent meeting of the DMK’s district executive committee, where several representatives emphasized the importance of securing a decisive victory in Tiruchendur.
Addressing party workers, Anita Radhakrishnan urged them to ensure that whoever is nominated from the constituency wins by a significant margin. Many interpreted her comments as a sign of impending changes.
Kanimozhi has been a prominent national face of the party. As the current MP from Thoothukudi, she has played a crucial role in Parliament, particularly on issues related to federal rights, language policy, and social justice. When recently asked by reporters if she would contest from Tiruchendur in 2026, Kanimozhi did not dismiss the possibility, fueling further speculation about her candidacy.
Political analysts believe that nominating Kanimozhi from Tiruchendur could significantly bolster the DMK’s prospects in the southern districts, where the party is striving to strengthen its position ahead of the elections. An official announcement is expected as the election date approaches.
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