Tamil Nadu by-elections set for Madurantakam and Dharapuram seats

Campaigning has concluded for the Tamil Nadu Assembly by-elections in the Madurantakam and Dharapuram constituencies, with polling scheduled for Tuesday, October 6. The elections serve as a critical test for Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), following their victory in the April elections.

Both constituencies feature a five-cornered contest involving the ruling TVK, the DMK, the AIADMK, and members of the Left parties (CPI and CPM), as well as the NTK. In Dharapuram, P. Sathyabama is contesting for the TVK after defecting from the AIADMK. The AIADMK is seeking to retain its influence in these areas, while the TVK aims to consolidate its recent electoral gains.

Chief Minister Vijay has actively campaigned in both seats, including conducting roadshows to mobilize support. Ahead of the vote, Vijay expressed confidence that voters would reject “evil and exhausted forces” in favor of the TVK. Postal voting for police personnel has already commenced in Dharapuram, and the results are expected to be announced on October 9.