Tamil Nadu Left parties to contest October by-elections independently

Left parties in Tamil Nadu, including the CPI(M) and CPI, have announced they will contest the upcoming October 6 by-elections in the Madurantakam and Dharapuram Assembly segments independently. This decision marks a departure from their previous support for the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government formation in May.

The CPI(M) will contest in Madurantakam, while the CPI will field a candidate in Dharapuram. Both constituencies are reserved for Scheduled Castes. The move creates a multi-cornered contest against major coalitions including the DMK, the AIADMK-led NDA, and the ruling TVK alliance.

In unrelated regional news, PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss has called on the Southern Railway to revise its apprentice recruitment notification. He expressed concern that removing the requirement for applicants to be registered with the Tamil Nadu Employment Exchange could allow candidates from other states to take opportunities intended for local youth.