Stalin Rides Chennai Metro to Canvass Votes for DMK

Chennai, India - Chief Minister M.K. Stalin surprised morning commuters on the Chennai Metro Rail on Friday by boarding a train from Central station to AG-DMS station, using the ride to canvass votes for the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and its allies ahead of the April 23 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Accompanied by Thousand Lights MLA Ezhilan Naganathan, Stalin purchased a ticket with a 100-rupee note and engaged directly with passengers, including school students, women and men. Commuters approached him for selfies, greetings and conversations on topics ranging from competitive exams to government welfare schemes. One student from Presidency College mentioned her studies, prompting Stalin to note that he was an alumnus of the same institution. Officials reported that the interaction highlighted the DMK's focus on urban voters through informal outreach.

In a social media post, Stalin described the Metro as a "driving force" for Chennai's development. He recalled his efforts as deputy chief minister to secure funding from Japan's JICA, including a trip to Japan for the loan. The first phase, connecting Wimco Nagar to the airport and Central to St. Thomas Mount, has already...