Giant slayer VS Babu in ICU for respiratory illness; condition stable

CHENNAI: TVK legislator VS Babu, who defeated DMK president and former Chief Minister MK Stalin in Kolathur, was hospitalised following a respiratory ailment, with his condition reported to be stable.

The 75-year-old Babu was admitted to MGM Healthcare in Aminjikarai on Wednesday (September 9) and is receiving treatment in the intensive care unit, sources said. Doctors are closely monitoring his condition.

A health bulletin issued by MGM Healthcare at 5.15 pm on Thursday said that Babu, who was admitted to MGM Healthcare, Chennai, on 9th September 2026 with a respiratory ailment, is receiving appropriate medical management.

His condition remains stable, and he is continuing to recover with supportive care," the hospital said, adding that he continues to remain under close monitoring and medical supervision.

Babu had recently participated in the Assembly's Budget session before developing breathing difficulty. He was subsequently taken to the hospital for further treatment.

The hospitalisation comes exactly a week after the Madras High Court dismissed a petition filed by Stalin challenging Babu's election from Kolathur. The court held that the challenge could not be entertained by way of a writ petition and that an election dispute had to be pursued through the statutory mechanism under election law.

Stalin had sought, among other reliefs, 100 per cent counting of VVPAT slips and verification of all 286 electronic voting machines deployed in the constituency.

Babu polled 82,997 votes against Stalin's 74,202, defeating him by 8,795 votes. The result ended Stalin's winning run in Kolathur, which he had represented since 2011, and was among the most closely watched results of the 2026 Assembly election.