Important Events during the next 5 years:

He organized ‘Grievance Day’ in his constituency along with the PWD Minister Durai Murugan. Through this event he was able to comprehend and address concerns people had and promised to resolve them.

Stalin was invited by the Russian Cultural Forum to visit Russia in 1990.

In January 1991, Chandrasekhar’s government in Delhi, which collapsed a short while later, dismissed the DMK government.

The Parliament and Assembly elections were announced in May 1991. During the election campaign the former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated at Sriperumpudur, following which the DMK suffered a terrible fate. Only Kalaignar was elected from the Harbour Constituency and Stalin was defeated in Thousand Lights constituency.

1991 State Assembly Elections - Thousand Lights Constituency

In the 1996 election, the DMK campaigned on the corruption and nepotism of AIADMK’s regime. DMK captured over 200 seats and Kalaignar formed the government again in Tamil Nadu.

Return of the Hero:

Stalin returned with an astounding success representing the Thousand Lights constituency.

1996 State Assembly Elections - Thousand Lights Constituency

Entering the Assembly for the second time, Stalin’s speeches and debates also had evolved and discerned with more reason and experience. He had also mastered the art of expressing his thoughts with lighter comments.

The Red Shawl:

On August 20, 1996 there was an interesting interlude in the assembly meeting. Without knowing that his party man Mr. Chokkar was sitting in their row spotting a red shawl (shalvai), the Tamil  Manila Congress member Mr. C.Gynanasekaran complained to the chair that Communist party members were occupying their rows. This was followed by a debate on the red shawl (shalvai), even after Chokkar said he’d only come with the shawl because he was unwell; the CPI member K.Subbaramani also interrupted and said that the colour red is good for health and protection. The Independent member Thamaranikannan added that ‘red’ denotes danger and that Chokkar's health will deteriorate further. When the debate on the ‘shalvai’ extended, Stalin very humbly quipped,”Honorable Deputy Speaker Sir, I request the house to give up the shalvai problem and take up problems which are to be solved”.  Everyone roared with laughter.

Free Bus Passes:

The Budget for 1996 stated that students up to 10th standard would be given free bus passes. Stalin demanded that the facility should be offered to students studying up to 12th standard. Immediately, Chief Minister Kalaignar stood up and announced that the demand was approved and added, “This is not for the son, but for the students”. The members thumped the desks and welcomed it.

Social Welfare:

Besides raising questions in the house and getting concessions, Stalin also concentrated on social welfare; Stalin visited his constituency and resolved issues. In Swatantra Nagar, there was a slum with 600 huts and frequent fire accidents marred the area. Stalin demanded that the residents of the area should be provided with permanent houses. The PWD and the Police Education and Revenue department of the state government owned the slum area. He took legal action to acquire the area from them, got their consent and with the assistance of HUDCO, 576 houses were constructed. They were handed over to the residents by the end of 2000. Because of his efforts an electricity sub-station was opened and all homes were given new connections. During the rainy season, when the area got flooded, he made visits and provided assistance to the affected people.

In 2001 elections, Stalin contested from the Thousand Lights Constituency and was re-elected.
2001 State Assembly Elections - Thousand Lights Constituency

In the 2006 State Assembly elections, Stalin returned triumphantly from the constituency and assumed charge as Minister for Rural Development & Local Administration.

2006 State Assembly Elections - Thousand Lights Constituency

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