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Historic Wins for Tamil Nadu's 'Saas-Damaad' Duo in 2026 Elections
Tamil Nadu's 'Saas-Damaad' Duo Creates History, First In 35 Years To...
News 18
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In a remarkable turn of events during the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections, Leema Rose Martin (AIADMK) and her son-in-law Aadhav Arjuna (TVK) both won their respective Assembly seats, marking the first time in 35 years that a mother-in-law and son-in-law from rival parties have achieved this feat. Their victories highlight a unique family dynamic in Tamil Nadu politics.
- 01Leema Rose Martin won from Lalgudi on an AIADMK ticket by 2,739 votes.
- 02Aadhav Arjuna, affiliated with TVK, won from Villivakkam in Chennai.
- 03This is the first instance in 35 years where a mother-in-law and son-in-law from rival parties won Assembly seats.
- 04Both candidates are now set to serve in the Tamil Nadu Assembly despite their party differences.
- 05The Martin family has produced three MLAs across different parties in this election.
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The 2026 Tamil Nadu elections saw a historic event with Leema Rose Martin, representing the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), and her son-in-law Aadhav Arjuna from the Thamizhaga Vivasayigal Katchi (TVK) both winning their respective Assembly seats. Leema Rose secured her victory in Lalgudi by 2,739 votes, defeating candidates from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and TVK, while Aadhav Arjuna emerged victorious in Villivakkam, Chennai. This marks the first time in 35 years that a mother-in-law and son-in-law from opposing political parties have won Assembly seats, a feat last accomplished in 1991 when A.S. Ponnammal and her son-in-law Subburathnam won from the same alliance. The Martin family now boasts three MLAs from three different parties, showcasing a unique blend of family ties and political rivalry.
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The victories of Leema Rose Martin and Aadhav Arjuna could influence local governance and political dynamics in Tamil Nadu, as they bring together different party perspectives within one family.
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