Chennai: As chief minister M K Stalin drove through Kolathur on Tuesday, the crowds that gathered were not cheering but crying in a show of support for the work he had done in the constituency over a decade of wins, and in shock at his defeat in the 2026 assembly election. From his car, Stalin repeatedly gestured for them to hold back their tears. “I will always be with you,” he said to his supporters. Beside him, minister P K Sekarbabu broke down as the entourage moved through the constituency.“What has the CM not done for the constituency in terms of projects and welfare? He has visited 84 times and has inaugurated 300 projects. It is still a mystery for me how some people did not vote,” said Sekarbabu.“My bond with Kolathur goes beyond electoral victories and defeats,” wrote Stalin soon after on his official social media handle, and thanked the residents for their continued support over 15 years. “The people of Kolathur stood by me both during my 10 years in the opposition and the last five years in power, enabling me to bring and implement a range of development projects in the constituency,” he said.Calling Kolathur a “model constituency”, he said key infrastructure and civic amenities, including playgrounds, parks, libraries, marriage halls, bus stands, hospitals, co-working spaces, schools and colleges, were established to meet public needs. The 70-feet-road was also being developed into a commercial zone.“I feel fulfilment seeing the facilities created across neighbourhoods,” said Stalin, during his visit. “I carried out my duties to the best of my ability. I will remain with the people of Kolathur.”K Sathish, a supporter and beneficiary of the co-working space, called the defeat “hurtful”. “But we are sure he will return and contest from here.”
