Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], April 2 (ANI): Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has declared assets worth over Rs 20.64 crore in his nomination affidavit ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, as he gears up for a high-stakes contest from the Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni constituency.

According to the affidavit, Udhayanidhi declared movable assets worth Rs 12.92 crore in his name and Rs 13.25 crore in the name of his wife, Kiruthiga. He also listed immovable assets worth Rs 7.72 crore in his name.

The Deputy Chief Minister is set to begin his election campaign in Chennai's Aiyodhya Nagar area, opting for a grassroots outreach approach by travelling in an auto-rickshaw to connect directly with voters.

Earlier on Thursday, Udhayanidhi filed his nomination as the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) candidate from the Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni Assembly constituency. The sitting MLA also held a roadshow en route to the Returning Officer's office.

Expressing confidence, he said, 'We will create history, we will definitely win this time. Our leader will become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for the second time.'

Udhayanidhi, son of Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, had won the seat in the 2021 Assembly elections by defeating PMK candidate AVA Kassali with a margin of 69,355 votes. He is currently pitted against AIADMK candidate Adhirajaram.

Highlighting welfare measures, Udhayanidhi recently announced Rs 8,000 coupons to help families purchase essential household items such as televisions, refrigerators, and washing machines. He also said laptops have been distributed to 10 lakh college students under the state government's initiatives.

The DMK has promised to expand several welfare schemes, including increasing financial assistance under Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai to Rs 2,000 per month and continuing free bus travel for women.

Tamil Nadu will go to the polls in a single phase on April 23 across 234 constituencies, with counting scheduled for May 4.

Udayanidhi, who is contesting as the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) candidate from the Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni Assembly constituency, will also kickstart his election campaign today in Chennai's Aiyodhya Nagar area, travelling in an auto-rickshaw to connect with voters at the grassroots level.

Earlier in the day, he filed his nomination papers and held a roadshow en route to the office of the Returning Officer. The sitting MLA is seeking re-election from the constituency and is pitted against the AIADMK candidate Adhirajaram.

Speaking to reporters, Udayanidhi exuded confidence in the DMK's prospects. 'We will create history, we will definitely win this time. Our leader will become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for the second time,' he said, referring to Chief Minister MK Stalin.

In the 2021 Assembly elections, Udayanidhi secured a decisive victory from the same seat, defeating PMK candidate AVA Kassali by a margin of 69,355 votes.

Highlighting welfare measures, the Deputy Chief Minister recently announced Rs 8,000 coupons for households to purchase essential items such as televisions, refrigerators, and washing machines. He also noted that laptops have been distributed to 10 lakh college students under the current government.

The DMK has promised to increase the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai to Rs 2,000 per month, continue free bus travel for women, expand the Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme up to Class 8, and enhance medical coverage up to Rs 10 lakh for eligible families.

Tamil Nadu will go to the polls in a single phase on April 23 across 234 constituencies, with counting scheduled for May 4. (ANI)