AIADMK leader D Jayakumar (File photo) NEW DELHI: The Royapuram assembly constituency in north Chennai has emerged as a key political battleground ahead of the Tamil Nadu assembly elections on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4. Long considered an AIADMK stronghold under veteran leader D Jayakumar for over three decades, Royapuram swung to the DMK in 2021 when Idream R Murthy secured a decisive win, reshaping its political landscape. For the upcoming polls, the DMK has fielded orthopaedic surgeon Dr A Subair Khan, son of late party leader A Rahman Khan, to retain the seat. He faces a tough challenge from Jayakumar, a six-time MLA seeking to reclaim his former bastion, banking on his long-standing ties with the coastal community as a former fisheries minister. Jayakumar had finished runner-up in 2021, losing to Murthy, who secured 53.16% of the vote and a victory margin of over 27,000. In 2016, however, Jayakumar had won the seat with 55,205 votes and a margin of 6.57%. The contest also includes TV Somu of actor-politician Vijay’s TVK and Babumailan of the NTK. Royapuram: Home to fishing communities Royapuram has historically been a working-class hub, home to fishing communities, port workers and small traders. For many residents, especially fishermen, electoral concerns go beyond visibility, focusing on livelihood issues such as better access to markets and stable incomes. The constituency also faces significant urban challenges. Residents frequently cite severe air and dust pollution caused by heavy freight movement, chronic traffic congestion near the Royapuram bridge, and recurring sewage contamination in drinking water. These issues have made infrastructure and environmental health central to the current election discourse.(With ANI inputs)About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCong, TMC, DMK Guilty’, PM Modi Blasts Oppn For Blocking Women Reservation BillIndia Summons Iran Envoy Summoned After Ships Targeted In Strait of Hormuz | WatchWomen’s Reservation Amendment Fails In Lok Sabha, Delimitation Bill Put On HoldYogi Adityanath Alleges ‘Identity Crisis’ In Bengal, Targets TMC Over GovernanceBJP Leaders Protest Outside Rahul’s Residence Over Women Quota Bill; Hema Malini, Bansuri Lead10th Indian Vessel Crosses Strait Of Hormuz Since Conflict Began”Women Were Being Used” Tharoor Backs Women’s Reservation, Warns On Delimitation Issue: “You’re Firing… After Clearance!” India-Flagged Ship’s Last Words Before Hormuz TurnbackNation Awaits PM Modi’s Address As Women Bill Fails And Hormuz Crisis Escalates‘Not A Failure Of The Government’: Why Rijiju Is Blaming The Opposition For Women’s Bill Defeat123Photostories6 healthy leaves you should add to your daily dietAkshaya Tritiya 2026: Buy these 5 things for good fortune5 grand palaces that are now world-famous museums7 factors driving real estate growth in India’s non-metro cities7 foods in your kitchen that actually came from PersiaAlia-Ranbir to Saif-Kareena: 5 celebrity weddings that completely rewrote the Indian shaadi style rulebook’The Devil Wears Prada 2′ to ‘The Odyssey,’ and more: Hollywood’s biggest 2026 Summer releases10 iconic biryani varieties in India you probably haven’t tried yetThings you should NEVER Do on Akshaya Tritiya based on your birth dateTop 5 residential hotspots in Nagpur for upscale living and long-term investment potential123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingIPL Orange Cap 2026VijayPM Modi LiveWorld Largest EconomySue BirdIce SpicePahalgam Pony Wallah StoryWomen Quota BillE Coli Smuggling CaseErika Kirk Event
NEW DELHI: The Royapuram assembly constituency in north Chennai has emerged as a key political battleground ahead of the Tamil Nadu assembly elections on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4. Long considered an AIADMK stronghold under veteran leader D Jayakumar for over three decades, Royapuram swung to the DMK in 2021 when Idream R Murthy secured a decisive win, reshaping its political landscape. For the upcoming polls, the DMK has fielded orthopaedic surgeon Dr A Subair Khan, son of late party leader A Rahman Khan, to retain the seat. He faces a tough challenge from Jayakumar, a six-time MLA seeking to reclaim his former bastion, banking on his long-standing ties with the coastal community as a former fisheries minister. Jayakumar had finished runner-up in 2021, losing to Murthy, who secured 53.16% of the vote and a victory margin of over 27,000. In 2016, however, Jayakumar had won the seat with 55,205 votes and a margin of 6.57%. The contest also includes TV Somu of actor-politician Vijay’s TVK and Babumailan of the NTK. Royapuram: Home to fishing communities Royapuram has historically been a working-class hub, home to fishing communities, port workers and small traders. For many residents, especially fishermen, electoral concerns go beyond visibility, focusing on livelihood issues such as better access to markets and stable incomes. The constituency also faces significant urban challenges. Residents frequently cite severe air and dust pollution caused by heavy freight movement, chronic traffic congestion near the Royapuram bridge, and recurring sewage contamination in drinking water. These issues have made infrastructure and environmental health central to the current election discourse.(With ANI inputs)
