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Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni is constituency number 19 in Chennai, sitting right in the heart of the city along the eastern coastal stretch near Marina Beach. It covers areas including Triplicane, Chintadripet, Adikesavapuram and Chepauk, and falls under the Chennai Central Lok Sabha constituency. It is entirely urban with a population of around 3.15 lakh as per the 2011 census, with the scheduled caste (SC) population at around 15%.
The area is a dense mix of residential, commercial and cultural life, known for landmarks such as the Chepauk Palace, Marina Beach, Parthasarathy Temple, M A Chidambaram Stadium and a strong presence of educational institutions. Thiruvallikeni is known for its busy markets, eateries and lodging culture. The constituency has been a DMK stronghold for several terms.
Political Representation
Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni is a general category seat and not a reserved constituency.
Candidates for 2026 polls
For the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the top candidate in the Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni constituency is incumbent MLA and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, who is seeking re-election. Key challengers in this high-profile Chennai seat include Aadirajaram of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and Mohammed Yasser from the Bahujan Samaj Party.
A total of 26 candidates are contesting from the Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni constituency. Other parties in the fray are Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).
Top candidates
| 2026 | Candidate | Sex | Party | Age | Link to Affidavit |
| 1 | Aadirajaram | Male | AIADMK | 67 | Download here |
| 2 | Aysha | Female | NTK | 37 | Download here |
| 3 | Udhayanidhi Stalin | Female | DMK | 48 | Download here |
All candidate details can be found on the portal of the ECI here.
2021 polling snapshot
- Total number of voters: 1,36,506
- Male Voters: 69,385
- Female voters: 67,113
- Others: 8
- Polling percentage: 58.7%
Source: Election Commission of India
Previous Results: 2021
| 2021 | Candidate | Sex | Party | Age | Votes polled (Share of vote %) |
| 1 | Udhayanidhi Stalin | Male | DMK | 43 | 67.89% |
| 2 | Kassali A V A | Male | PMK | 61 | 17.42% |
| 3 | Jayasimmaraja S M | Male | NTK | 26 | 6.69% |
Source: Election Commission of India
Previous Results: 2016
| 2016 | Candidate | Sex | Party | Age | Votes polled (Share of vote %) |
| 1 | J Anbazhagam | Male | DMK | 57 | 47.32% |
| 2 | A Noorjahan | Female | AIADMK | 44 | 37.46% |
| 3 | APN Thamarai Gajendran | Male | BJP | 43 | 4.37% |
Source: Election Commission of India
Incumbent MLA: Udhyanidhi Stalin
Udhayanidhi Stalin, son of Chief Minister M K Stalin, won the 2021 Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni seat on his electoral debut. He was sworn in as Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development in December 2022, and was elevated to Deputy Chief Minister in September 2024, becoming the youngest person to hold that office in Tamil Nadu. He has remained with the DMK throughout and is contesting the 2026 elections from the same constituency.
MLA profile
Age: 48 years old
Educational Background: Graduate; Bachelors Degree of Commerce From Loyola College, Year-1997
Contact details: 044-25671024 | deputycm_office@tn.gov.in
Criminal records: 22
- 20 charges related to Punishment for Being member of an unlawful assembly (IPC Section-143)
- 18 charges related to Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life (IPC Section-269)
- 14 charges related to Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life (IPC Section-270)
- 12 charges related to Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant (IPC Section-188)
- 8 charges related to Punishment for wrongful restraint (IPC Section-341)
- 3 charges related to Disobedience to quarantine rule (IPC Section-271)
- 2 charges related to Knowingly joining or continuing in assembly of five or more persons after it has been commanded to disperse (IPC Section-151)
- 1 charges related to Danger or obstruction in public way or line of navigation (IPC Section-283)
- 1 charges related to Wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot-if rioting be committed-if not committed (IPC Section-153)
- 1 charges related to Punishment for Rioting (IPC Section-147)
Source: Myneta.info
MLA in the media
A voter from Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni filed a writ petition in the Madras High Court alleging discrepancies between Udhayanidhi Stalin’s 2021 and 2026 election affidavits, including a missing ₹7.36 crore investment in Red Giant Movies and unexplained variations in declared loans. The court has directed the Director General of Income Tax to respond by April 20.
In September 2023, Udhayanidhi sparked controversy when he compared Sanatana Dharma to diseases like dengue and malaria at a public event, saying it should be “eradicated” rather than merely opposed. In January 2026, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court ruled that his remarks amounted to hate speech, describing them as a “clear attack on Hinduism.”
In February 2025, Udhayanidhi spoke at a DMK rally in Chennai opposing the Centre’s alleged push to impose Hindi, warning that “states that accept Hindi lose their mother tongue.” He accused the Union Education Minister of withholding ₹2,400 crore in education funds unless Tamil Nadu adopted the three-language NEP policy.
Key citizen demands
Thiruvallikeni’s historically narrow streets (dating to British-era settlement) cause severe traffic congestion, with vendors and residents calling for multilevel parking facilities. Near the Parthasarathy temple, stray cattle remain a problem despite a shelter being constructed, as owners refuse to use it. DMK campaigners, however, remain confident of a comfortable win, citing Udhayanidhi’s visible presence during floods and other crises.
Residents in the locality, which is densely populated, have repeatedly flagged waste management issues, poor sanitation and encroachments of pavements. They also demand better parking facilities near busy areas and solutions to the traffic congestion.