Dharapuram assembly by-election controversies

During the Dharapuram assembly constituency by-election campaign, the Communist Party of India (CPI) has raised several allegations regarding electoral fairness and misconduct.

Initially, CPI State Secretary M. Veerapandian accused election officials of campaign bias, claiming that a planned two-wheeler rally for the party was denied permission on the final day of campaigning. Veerapandian alleged that while the opposition's request was rejected, the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) was permitted to hold a rally on the same route, which he argued violated the Model Code of Conduct.

Following these claims, Veerapandian further accused political rivals, including the ruling TVK, of attempting to “purchase votes.” He alleged that ministers were promising the sudden fulfillment of local demands in rural villages and that groups were collecting voter details to facilitate digital payments via platforms such as GPay and PhonePe. The CPI leader criticized the Election Commission for failing to prevent these alleged practices, stating the party would instead focus on door-to-door campaigning regarding livelihood and economic issues.