Tamil Nadu by-elections: Major leaders set to campaign in Madurantakam and Dharapuram

Political campaigning is intensifying in Tamil Nadu ahead of the Madurantakam and Dharapuram assembly by-elections scheduled for October 6. Key leaders from major parties are preparing for high-profile rallies. Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) President and Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay is set to hold a major public meeting in Madurantakam on September 28, while AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami is scheduled to campaign on September 25 and 26. DMK President M. K. Stalin is also expected to canvass for his party's candidate.

The by-elections follow the resignations of AIADMK MLAs Maragatham Kumaravel and P. Sathyabama, who subsequently joined the ruling TVK. This shift has turned the contests into a multi-cornered battle involving the TVK, AIADMK, DMK, and the Left parties. The Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) has announced it will not support any party in these specific contests.

Political tensions remain high between the parties. DMK leaders have criticized the TVK administration, questioning its governance and recent law and order situation. Conversely, the TVK has responded to criticisms from the DMK regarding the Chief Minister's public image and recent foreign visits. Dravidar Kazhagam President K. Veeramani also remarked that the current administration appears to be running a ‘show’ rather than providing genuine governance.