Dharapuram by-election campaign faces protests and water disputes

The Dharapuram Assembly by-election has become increasingly volatile as political campaigning by TVK candidate P Sathyabama faces intense local opposition and protests.

Water scarcity has emerged as a central agrarian issue. Farmers dependent on the Uppar Dam are demanding water to mitigate drought conditions, while those reliant on the Parambikulam-Aliyar Project (PAP) oppose any diversion, citing insufficient reservoir storage. Protesters have confronted Sathyabama regarding these competing water needs.

Campaigning has also been marked by physical confrontations and disruptions. During a rally for Sathyabama, Minister V Sampath Kumar was confronted by residents questioning the candidate's response to local water crises, leading to a scuffle. In a separate incident at Pottikapalayam, Sathyabama was forced to abandon her campaign after locals blocked her path and raised slogans regarding her political history.

Police reported that seven DMK workers were arrested following a protest where stones were allegedly hurled and a vehicle in Sathyabama’s convoy was damaged. While police claim the arrests are linked to the disruption, DMK officials have condemned the action, stating the residents were protesting independently.