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TVK wins Dharapuram and Madurantakam by-elections

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2026-10-10 14:36 UTC → 2026-10-16 03:08 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.

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