Veteran Politicians Lead Campaigns in Tamil Nadu's 2026 Assembly Elections
Tamil Nadu Assembly polls 2026: Old guard defies odds, fights heat to woo voters across state
The Times Of IndiaImage: The Times Of India
In Tamil Nadu, veteran politicians in their 80s and 90s are actively campaigning for the April 23, 2026 Assembly elections despite extreme heat. Leaders like Duraimurugan from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and K Veeramani from the Dravidar Kazhagam showcase their enduring commitment to engage voters across the state.
- 01Veteran politicians in Tamil Nadu are actively campaigning for the 2026 Assembly elections despite extreme heat.
- 02Duraimurugan, aged 87, has been a consistent figure in Katpadi, focusing on local development.
- 03K Veeramani, 92, emphasizes social reform and has covered over 3,300 km in his campaign.
- 04MDMK's Vaiko and BJP's M R Gandhi are also actively engaging voters with tailored strategies.
- 05The rise in women's participation in politics is noted as a significant trend this election.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
As Tamil Nadu gears up for the Assembly elections on April 23, 2026, veteran politicians are showcasing their resilience in the face of 42°C heat. Duraimurugan (87), a long-time representative from Katpadi, continues to campaign vigorously, emphasizing his contributions to local development, including the establishment of educational institutions and a hospital. His campaign strategy involves engaging with voters in both rural and urban settings, demonstrating his adaptability and commitment.
K Veeramani (92) of the Dravidar Kazhagam is on his 45th campaign cycle, having traveled over 3,300 km across 36 districts. He focuses on ideological speeches and highlights the increasing participation of women in politics, marking a shift in voter demographics. Meanwhile, MDMK's Vaiko (81) and BJP's M R Gandhi (81) employ different strategies, with Vaiko delivering high-energy speeches and Gandhi utilizing door-to-door interactions to connect with constituents. Collectively, these leaders exemplify that age is no barrier in Tamil Nadu's political landscape.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The active involvement of veteran politicians highlights the importance of experienced leadership in addressing local issues, potentially influencing voter turnout and engagement.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Do you think veteran politicians are effective in modern elections?
Connecting to poll...
More about Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam

Intensifying Campaigns Ahead of 2026 Assembly Elections in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu
News 18 • Apr 19, 2026
NDA Aims to Transform Lok Sabha Setback into Opportunity with Women Voters
The Times Of India • Apr 19, 2026
Caste Dynamics and Allegations Shape Thiru Vi Ka Nagar's Election Race
The Times Of India • Apr 19, 2026
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.



