Chennai: As the political landscape for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections heats up, the spotlight has now shifted to the Villivakkam constituency in Chennai.
Previously viewed as an ordinary constituency, Villivakkam has this time transformed into a ‘mega-star’ constituency—characterized by a clash between immensely wealthy candidates and a face-off between a political scion and a strategic newcomer.
Villivakkam constituency
Today, the Villivakkam constituency has emerged as one of the most “expensive” constituencies in Tamil Nadu. Adhav Arjuna, contesting on behalf of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, has declared assets worth approximately ₹534 crore, while DMK candidate Karthik Mohan has stated assets of roughly ₹346 crore. When combined, the total assets of these two candidates exceed ₹880 crore. The fact that the two primary candidates vying for a single constituency are such massive tycoons has sent ripples of astonishment throughout political circles.
DMK’s ‘young storm’: Karthik Mohan
In Villivakkam—widely regarded as a DMK stronghold—Karthik Mohan has entered the fray with the mission of upholding that legacy. He is the son of the late P.K. Mohan, a former DMK District Secretary and former MLA. Known popularly as “Anna Nagar Karthi,” he has been fielded by the DMK specifically to take on and defeat Adhav Arjuna.
Karthik Mohan brings extensive experience, having served for a long period as a grassroots party worker and an administrator within the DMK’s Youth Wing. He is viewed as a trusted young leader by both Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. His long-standing ties to the Mohan family within the constituency, combined with the DMK’s robust vote bank, constitute his greatest strengths. Given his position within Udhayanidhi Stalin’s inner circle of close associates, his election campaigns are designed to resonate strongly with the youth.
Adhav Arjuna: The TVK’s New Power Player
Within a remarkably short period of joining Vijay’s TVK, Adhav Arjuna has emerged as a pivotal center of power within the party. He is viewed not merely as a candidate, but as a key strategic mind orchestrating Vijay’s political maneuvers from behind the scenes. Formerly associated with the VCK, Adhav Arjuna subsequently assumed the role of Election Management Secretary within the TVK. A successful entrepreneur, he also currently serves as the President of the Basketball Federation of India.
Campaigning under the slogan of ‘Change’ (Maatram), Adhav Arjuna stands as the public face of the TVK in the Villivakkam constituency. His efforts to penetrate the DMK’s traditional stronghold and generate a fresh political wave are certainly noteworthy.
What will Villivakkam decide?
The electoral battle—pitting the DMK’s Karthik Mohan, backed by a storied political legacy, against the TVK’s Adhav Arjuna, armed with modern strategic approaches—has now reached a fever pitch. With its convergence of immense wealth, celebrity stature, and political clout, the Villivakkam constituency will undoubtedly serve as a crucial bellwether for the overall election results.
