Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Vijay’s Four-Day Campaign Turns Tamil Nadu Bypolls Into Prestige Test
Tamil Nadu held elections in two Assembly seats, Madurantakam and Dharapuram.
The seats became vacant when two AIADMK lawmakers left their party and joined Vijay’s TVK.
They are now trying to win the seats as TVK candidates.
Vijay spent four days campaigning, including rallies and roadshows, making the elections an important test of his party’s support.
A win could show that some voters followed the lawmakers to the TVK and could encourage more AIADMK members to switch parties.
The AIADMK says voters should not have to elect the same people again under a different party.
The DMK is also using the vote to assess its support without its earlier alliance partners.
Some opponents accused the TVK of distributing money, but the party denied the claims.
Votes were cast on October 6, with results expected on October 9.
Tamil Nadu held by-elections in Madurantakam and Dharapuram, where former AIADMK legislators Maragatham Kumaravel and P Sathyabama are contesting for the TVK.
Chief Minister and TVK leader C Joseph Vijay campaigned for four days, including rallies and roadshows; one Madurantakam route covered 45 kilometres and more than 30 villages.
A TVK victory could bolster claims that voters have followed the defecting legislators and may encourage further AIADMK defections; losing either seat could weaken that narrative.
The DMK is contesting without its Assembly-election alliance, while the CPI and CPI(M) are running separately; a stronger DMK vote share could be presented as evidence of recovering support.
Udhayanidhi Stalin and CPI(M) leader P Shanmugam alleged cash distribution involving the TVK; the party denied the accusations and said it opposes cash-for-votes politics.
- Who
- Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay; candidates Maragatham Kumaravel and P Sathyabama; and the AIADMK, DMK, CPI and CPI(M).
- What
- By-elections in two Assembly constituencies became a test of the TVK’s political appeal, the defecting candidates’ support, and the strength of other parties.
- When
- Polling was scheduled for October 6; results were expected on October 9.
- Where
- Madurantakam and Dharapuram, Tamil Nadu.
- Why
- The seats became vacant after AIADMK legislators resigned and joined the TVK; the result could affect perceptions of voter support and further party defections.
Opposition arguments and allegations
TVK position and stakes
Defections and voter choice
Opposition arguments and allegations
The AIADMK argues that voters elected Sathyabama as an AIADMK candidate and should not be asked to elect the same person again after she changed parties. DMK chief M K Stalin also criticized the need for voters to return to the polls so soon.
TVK position and stakes
The TVK is fielding the former AIADMK legislators. A win would indicate that at least some of their voters have followed them and could make further movement of AIADMK members to the TVK easier.
Cash-for-votes allegations
Opposition arguments and allegations
Udhayanidhi Stalin accused the TVK of distributing cash in Dharapuram, while CPI(M) state secretary P Shanmugam said villagers reported that several parties were paying voters and that the TVK was paying the most.
TVK position and stakes
The TVK categorically denied the allegations and said it opposes cash-for-votes politics.
Meaning of the result
Opposition arguments and allegations
The AIADMK faces a test of whether its party identity can still help its former representatives win. The DMK may cite a substantially improved vote share, even without its former alliance, as evidence of continuing or recovering support.
TVK position and stakes
The TVK is seeking to demonstrate that its political appeal extends beyond the Assembly election and that support for Vijay can sustain the party and attract more defectors.
- Constituencies
- Madurantakam and Dharapuram
- Polling date
- October 6
- Expected results
- October 9
- TVK candidates
- Maragatham Kumaravel in Madurantakam and P Sathyabama in Dharapuram
- Vijay’s campaign
- Four days: two days of rallies and two days of roadshows
- Madurantakam roadshow
- A 45-kilometre route through more than 30 villages
- TVK Assembly tally
- 108 seats; 10 short of the 118 needed for an absolute majority in the 234-member Assembly
