Dynastic politics is a deeply entrenched aspect of Tamil Nadu's political culture, especially as the 2026 Assembly elections approach. Chief Minister M. K. Stalin is running from Kolathur, while his son Udhayanidhi Stalin is contesting from Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni. In the AIADMK camp, O. Panneerselvam is a prominent candidate from Bodinayakanur, and Sowmiya Anbumani, wife of Anbumani Ramadoss, is contesting from Dharmapuri for the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK). This trend of family-linked candidacies indicates that dynastic politics is not limited to one party but is a broader feature of Tamil Nadu's electoral landscape. However, this model has come under fire, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticizing it for limiting opportunities for grassroots leaders and weakening governance. Similarly, AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami has raised concerns about the impact of dynastic politics on internal party democracy.