Chennai, May 4 -- In a political development, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has lost his stronghold of Kolathur to VS Babu of the newly formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). In a closely watched contest, Babu secured victory by a margin of 8,795 votes on Monday.

Latest data from the Election Commission of India, following the 22nd round of EVM counting, showed Babu polling 82,997 votes against Stalin's 74,202.

The TVK candidate collected his winning certificate at the Loyola College counting centre amidst celebrations from party cadres.

The loss is deeply symbolic, as since the constituency's inception in 2008, after delimitation, Kolathur has been represented exclusively by Stalin.

This defeat marks the first time the DMK lead...