MK Stalin challenges TVK MLA VS Babu's Kolathur win in HC, seeks recount
CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has approached the Madras High Court challenging the election of V.S. Babu of the Thamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) from the Kolathur Assembly constituency, seeking a recount of votes.
The election petition, filed under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, alleges irregularities in the counting process and urges the court to direct a fresh count of all votes polled in the constituency. The petition also prays for disqualification of the returned candidate if the recount reveals a different outcome.
Kolathur went to polls in the recent Assembly election, where Babu was declared elected over the DMK candidate. Stalin, who is also the president of the DMK, has a direct political interest in the constituency, which is seen as a party stronghold in Chennai.
According to the petition, the counting officer failed to follow prescribed procedures, and certain votes were wrongly classified as invalid or credited to the wrong candidate. The petitioner has sought the court's direction to produce ballot papers, EVM records, and related documents for scrutiny.
The Madras High Court is expected to take up the petition for admission in the coming days. Under election law, any candidate or elector may dispute a result on grounds such as improper acceptance of nominations, corrupt practices, or non-compliance with the provisions of the Act.
Neither Babu nor TVK leaders have responded publicly to the development so far. However, political observers note that such legal challenges are a normal and healthy part of democratic process, allowing grievances to be addressed through judicial scrutiny.
Legal experts point out that a recount is ordered only when the court is satisfied that the counting process was flawed and the outcome could have been affected. The burden of proof rests entirely on the petitioner.
The case assumes significance as it tests the credibility of the electoral machinery in the state. The DMK has not issued any official statement beyond the filing, but party sources described the move as a step towards ensuring transparency and upholding the voters' mandate.
The development comes amid the evolving political landscape in Tamil Nadu, where TVK, led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, has emerged as a significant force in recent elections. The High Court's ruling on the petition is expected to set a precedent for similar disputes.
Meanwhile, TVK activists have expressed confidence that the victory would withstand judicial scrutiny. The final orders from the court will determine the next course of action, and the case is likely to draw considerable public attention given the political stature of the petitioner.
