# TVK wins Dharapuram and Madurantakam by-elections > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/dharapuram-assembly-by-election > Updated: 2026-10-15T07:16:02.000Z. Sources: 19. Developments: 5. The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) secured victories in both the Dharapuram and Madurantakam Assembly by-elections in Tamil Nadu. In Dharapuram, P. Sathyabama, who transitioned from the AIADMK to the TVK, defeated the DMK candidate, Sukanya, with 66,841 votes. In Madurantakam, TVK candidate Maragatham Kumaravel also defeated opponents from the DMK and AIADMK. Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay described the dual wins as a triumph of ‘people’s power’ over ‘money power,’ asserting that the victories were achieved without electoral inducements and represented a public rejection of personal attacks. Political responses to the results remain divided. While TVK supporters celebrated, AIADMK leaders alleged the outcomes were driven by the ruling party’s ‘financial and administrative influence,’ noting that the AIADMK failed to reclaim the seats it previously held. The DMK maintained that it retained much of its vote share despite the losses. Additionally, VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan suggested the results favored the ruling alliance, while Left parties (CPI and CPM) acknowledged the results while affirming their continued political struggle for workers and farmers. Following the wins, TVK MLA Abhishek defended the party against allegations that it relied on coalition support or that interest in Vijay was declining, stating that the party’s vote percentage increased. He also dismissed claims of voter bribery. In a notable response, Annamalai praised the TVK for winning without engaging in ‘cash-for-votes’ tactics during an event in Coimbatore. ## Claims - Polling for the Madurantakam and Dharapuram by-elections commenced at 7 am on October 6. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The by-elections were triggered by the resignations of former AIADMK MLAs Maragatham Kumaravel and P. Sathyabama. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Maragatham Kumaravel and P. Sathyabama joined the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Voting in both constituencies is scheduled to continue until 6 pm. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Madurantakam has 27 candidates contesting the election. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Dharapuram has 22 candidates contesting the election. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Madurantakam has 285 polling stations and Dharapuram has 320 polling stations. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Counting of votes is scheduled for October 9. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-15: Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam defends by-election wins in Madurantakam and Dharapuram Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) officials and leader Annamalai have defended the party's recent by-election victories in Madurantakam and Dharapuram, denying allegations of bribery and declining support. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tamilaga-vettri-kazhagam-defends-by-election-wins-in-madurantakam-and-dharapuram ### 2026-10-09: Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam wins both Tamil Nadu by-elections Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) won both the Madurantakam and Dharapuram by-elections in Tamil Nadu, defeating DMK and AIADMK candidates and strengthening Chief Minister Vijay’s political position. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tamilaga-vettri-kazhagam-wins-both-tamil-nadu-by-elections ### 2026-10-06: Tamil Nadu by-elections see lower turnout in Madurantakam and Dharapuram By-elections in Tamil Nadu's Madurantakam and Dharapuram constituencies saw lower voter turnout than previous elections. Results for the multi-party contest are expected on October 9. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tamil-nadu-by-elections-begin-in-madurantakam-and-dharapuram ### 2026-10-03: Tamil Nadu by-elections set for Madurantakam and Dharapuram seats Tamil Nadu will hold by-elections for the Madurantakam and Dharapuram seats on October 6, marking a major electoral test for Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and the TVK party. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dharapuram-by-election-postal-voting-begins-for-police-personnel ### 2026-09-27: Dharapuram by-election campaign faces protests and water disputes TVK candidate P Sathyabama faces intense protests and campaign disruptions in Dharapuram amid local disputes over water scarcity and political grievances during the upcoming by-election. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dharapuram-by-election-campaign-faces-protests-and-water-disputes --- Cite as: TVK wins Dharapuram and Madurantakam by-elections. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/dharapuram-assembly-by-election