The demand for land titles (pattas) by the fishing community in the Mylapore Assembly constituency reached a critical administrative stage six months ago, just before the announcement of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026, said DMK candidate Dha Velu.

Fisherfolk recently held a demonstration against Mr. Velu, incumbent MLA of Mylapore. When asked about it, he said: “Only six months ago, we spoke to everyone and reached a decision. Now what they are asking is the next stage—pattas. If I agree to issue land titles just to get votes, it will be a problem for me later. Instead, it will be handled in a legally appropriate manner.” Nearly 50% of the planned relocation for tenements has already been initiated, he added.