Tamil Nadu: How Vijay beat Stalin - five factors that spelt doom for DMK this time

M.K. Stalin faced a significant political shock with his party's defeat and his personal drubbing in Kolathur. Superstar C. Joseph Vijay's entry, anti-incumbency, federalism debates, underestimation of Vijay, and dynastic politics charges upended DMK's expectations. Despite Stalin's governance record, young voters opted for change, signaling a potential turning point for Tamil Nadu politics.

By JAYA MENON