Chennai, May 5:
In a significant setback amid the shifting political landscape of Tamil Nadu, senior DMK leader Durai Murugan has missed out on what could have been a historic electoral milestone in the 2026 Assembly elections.
The veteran politician, who was eyeing a record 11th victory from the Katpadi constituency, fell short in his bid, marking a rare electoral reversal in an otherwise illustrious career. Known for his long-standing dominance in Katpadi, he had represented the constituency for decades, winning almost every election since the 1970s.
His defeat comes at a time when the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) is facing a broader electoral setback across the state, with the party witnessing a decline in seats compared to previous elections.
The 2026 polls have delivered a dramatic political churn, with new forces reshaping the stateâs electoral dynamics and several senior leaders encountering unexpected defeats.
Durai Muruganâs loss is being seen as symbolic of this wider shift, ending his long, uninterrupted association with Katpadi.
Party cadres and observers described the result as one of the most notable upsets of the election, given his stature as one of the DMKâs most experienced leaders and a key figure in the partyâs organisational structure.
Despite the setback, senior leaders within the DMK expressed confidence that Durai Murugan will continue to play a crucial role in the partyâs future strategy and organisational affairs, citing his decades of experience and influence within the Dravidian movement.