Archive · 1 Oct 2026
TVK Alleges DMK Poll Code Violations Ahead of Madurantakam By-Poll
The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, or TVK, complained to election officials about the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, or DMK.
TVK said the DMK may have broken election rules in the Madurantakam constituency.
It alleged that voters were being offered cash and gifts.
It also said people from other districts were brought in to threaten some voters.
TVK accused DMK candidate I Paranthamen and party workers of organized election wrongdoing.
The party referred to the reported seizure of Rs 48 lakh from a DMK functionary’s home.
It also alleged that children were used for campaign canvassing.
TVK asked officials to increase monitoring before voting.
The Chief Electoral Officer reportedly said that instructions would be sent to election and police officials for stricter surveillance.
TVK’s legal wing filed a complaint with Tamil Nadu’s Chief Electoral Officer on September 30.
The party accused DMK functionaries and candidate I Paranthamen of distributing cash and gifts to voters.
TVK alleged that outsiders were brought in to intimidate voters who did not support the DMK candidate.
The complaint cited the reported seizure of Rs 48 lakh from DMK functionary Moonalur Viswanathan’s residence in Dharapuram.
TVK requested expanded surveillance, videography and patrols before the October 6 by-poll.
- Who
- The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam legal wing, represented by advocate S Shankar, complained about Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam functionaries and candidate I Paranthamen.
- What
- TVK alleged Model Code of Conduct violations, including cash and gift distribution, voter intimidation and the use of minors in campaign canvassing.
- When
- The complaint was filed on September 30, ahead of polling scheduled for October 6; TVK said minors were used for canvassing on September 25.
- Where
- The allegations concern the Madurantakam assembly constituency in Tamil Nadu, including its rural and interior areas; the complaint also referred to Dharapuram.
- Why
- TVK said additional monitoring and enforcement were needed to protect a free and fair election.
- Complainant
- Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam legal wing
- Accused party
- Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
- Constituency
- Madurantakam assembly constituency
- Polling date
- October 6
- Reported cash seizure
- Rs 48 lakh from the residence of DMK functionary Moonalur Viswanathan in Dharapuram
- Requested measures
- More flying squads, static surveillance teams, videography and camera-equipped patrol vehicles
- Official response
- Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik reportedly assured TVK that instructions would be sent to the District Election Officer and State DGP
