Brief
TVK targets AIADMK strongholds in Tamil Nadu by‑elections
The upcoming by‑polls in two SC constituencies test TVK's growth and AIADMK's resilience ahead of further contests.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Two Tamil Nadu assembly seats – Madurantakam (SC) and Dharapuram (SC) – will go to the polls on October 6, a week after the April general election, according to the New Indian Express.
The by‑elections arise after six AIADMK MLAs defected to the ruling TVK party, leaving the two seats vacant. In the April vote, TVK secured 62,090 votes (31.32%) in Madurantakam, trailing the AIADMK by 7,194 votes, while in Dharapuram TVK earned 46,438 votes (23.23%) against the AIADMK’s 81,100 (40.56%).
TVK sees the contests as a chance to cement its early‑term authority; a win in both constituencies could spur further AIADMK defections and weaken Edappadi K Palaniswami’s grip on the party. Conversely, retaining the seats would demonstrate AIADMK’s resilience and bolster Palaniswami’s standing ahead of internal party meetings.
The DMK’s vote share – about 30% in Madurantakam and over 32% in Dharapuram – may prove decisive, while the PMK’s neutral stance could hurt AIADMK in Madurantakam, where the Vanniyar community is influential. Left‑wing candidates are also expected to split a few thousand votes.
TVK’s government faces criticism over power cuts, law‑and‑order issues, crimes against women, and crop‑loan waivers, yet its anti‑corruption platform and popular schemes such as Thaimaaman Thanga Mothiram, Vetri Payanam and an expanded breakfast program could attract voters.
Party insiders reportedly told the outlet that senior AIADMK leaders are considering resignations and a switch to TVK, but are waiting for the election outcome before acting.
Key facts
- By‑elections in Madurantakam (SC) and Dharapuram (SC) are scheduled for October 6, 2026. (newindianexpress.com)
- TVK received 31.32% of the vote in Madurantakam and 23.23% in Dharapuram in the April election. (newindianexpress.com)
- AIADMK won the April contests with 40.56% in Dharapuram and a margin of 7,194 votes in Madurantakam. (newindianexpress.com)
- Six AIADMK MLAs have defected to TVK since the April election. (newindianexpress.com)
- DMK’s vote share was around 30% in Madurantakam and over 32% in Dharapuram in April. (newindianexpress.com)
Sources
- [1] newindianexpress.com — originally reported as “TVK’s rise and AIADMK’s survival put to the test”
