Archive · 28 Sep 2026
Tamil Nadu Bypolls Intensify TVK, AIADMK, DMK Clash
Two constituencies in Tamil Nadu are preparing to vote in by-elections.
The main parties are the TVK, AIADMK and DMK.
TVK leader Joseph Vijay says the AIADMK is too close to the DMK.
The AIADMK says TVK persuaded its lawmakers to leave and caused the by-elections.
The TVK is also raising allegations about POCSO cases involving industrialist Veeramani.
It promises to develop the constituencies if it wins.
The AIADMK says only its victory can prove that its former lawmakers betrayed the party.
The DMK hopes a win will show that TVK's popularity has faded quickly.
The election results may change the balance of seats in the Assembly.
The Madurantakam and Dharapuram by-polls enter their final campaign week.
The TVK is accusing the AIADMK of colluding with the DMK.
AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami alleges that TVK bought AIADMK MLAs and forced their resignations.
The TVK is highlighting POCSO cases involving industrialist Veeramani and promising constituency development.
The results could affect the strength and future positioning of the TVK, AIADMK and DMK.
- Who
- The Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam, AIADMK and DMK, led in the campaign by Joseph Vijay, Edappadi K. Palaniswami and M.K. Stalin.
- What
- They are contesting the Madurantakam and Dharapuram Assembly by-elections.
- When
- The campaign is in its final week, with a TVK roadshow planned for October 2.
- Where
- Madurantakam and Dharapuram in Tamil Nadu, including the Kongu region.
- Why
- The by-elections follow the departure and resignations of AIADMK MLAs, while the parties are competing over alliances, governance and constituency development.
TVK and DMK Claims
AIADMK Response
Cause of the by-elections
TVK and DMK Claims
The TVK says AIADMK MLAs crossed over because Palaniswami sought cooperation with the DMK and possibly a government alliance.
AIADMK Response
The AIADMK says the TVK bought its MLAs and engineered their resignations, forcing the by-elections.
Relationship with the DMK
TVK and DMK Claims
The TVK alleges that Palaniswami is indirectly supporting the DMK and points to speeches it says praise the DMK government.
AIADMK Response
The AIADMK rejects the TVK's framing and campaigns against the defections to the TVK.
Meaning of the result
TVK and DMK Claims
A TVK victory would support its claim that the AIADMK betrayed its political legacy and could encourage more defections.
AIADMK Response
An AIADMK victory would support its claim that the former lawmakers betrayed the party and that the TVK caused the electoral disruption.
Political significance
TVK and DMK Claims
The TVK says its ruling-party position can help it deliver development and potentially move toward a majority with support from Congress, VCK and IUML.
AIADMK Response
The DMK says a victory could show that the TVK's Assembly-election performance was temporary and strengthen the DMK's claim to be its main alternative.
- Constituencies
- Madurantakam and Dharapuram
- Main parties
- Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam, AIADMK and DMK
- TVK allegation
- The TVK says the AIADMK is colluding with the DMK and has abandoned the legacy of MGR and Jayalalithaa.
- AIADMK allegation
- Edappadi K. Palaniswami says TVK bought AIADMK MLAs and forced them to resign.
- TVK seat projection
- A victory could raise the TVK's seats to 109, according to the article.
- Assembly majority
- The article says 115 seats would be sufficient for a majority after the total reaches 229 MLAs.
- Planned event
- Joseph Vijay's TVK roadshow is scheduled for October 2.