Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Vijay’s TVK Government Faces First Electoral Test in October
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, or TVK, is a political party led by C Joseph Vijay.
Its government will face its first election test on October 6.
People in Madurantakam and Dharapuram will vote in two by-elections.
The seats became empty after two AIADMK legislators resigned and joined TVK.
TVK has 107 seats in the 234-member Assembly, so it needs support from other parties to stay in power.
Several parties, including Congress, VCK, IUML and the Left parties, support the government.
Some supporters want Vijay to be considered for prime minister, while Congress has objected to that possibility.
A TVK leader has also said that 10 AIADMK legislators could change parties, prompting accusations of horse trading.
Winning both seats could make the government stronger, while losses could expose its coalition problems.
The October 6 by-election in Madurantakam and Dharapuram will be the first electoral test for C Joseph Vijay’s TVK government.
The seats became vacant after former AIADMK legislators Maragatham Kumaravel and P Sathyabama resigned and joined TVK.
TVK reportedly holds 107 of the 234 Assembly seats and relies on outside support to reach the 118-seat majority mark.
TVK leader K A Sengottaiyan’s claim that 10 AIADMK MLAs may switch parties has triggered horse-trading allegations.
The Election Commission has scheduled nominations from September 9 to 16 and vote counting for October 9.
- Who
- Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, led by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, along with AIADMK, Congress, VCK, IUML, the Left parties and DMK.
- What
- By-elections will be held in two Assembly constituencies as TVK faces its first electoral test.
- When
- Polling is scheduled for October 6, 2026; votes will be counted on October 9.
- Where
- Madurantakam and Dharapuram in Tamil Nadu.
- Why
- The seats became vacant after their AIADMK legislators resigned and joined TVK; the results could affect the government’s legislative strength.
TVK Government and Supporters
Opposition and Coalition Critics
Importance of the by-election
TVK Government and Supporters
Winning both seats would strengthen TVK’s legislative position and move the government closer to the majority mark.
Opposition and Coalition Critics
The AIADMK is seeking to reclaim seats lost through defections, while the DMK may use the contest to challenge TVK’s early administration.
Possible AIADMK defections
TVK Government and Supporters
K A Sengottaiyan said that 10 AIADMK MLAs could switch to TVK, potentially strengthening the government.
Opposition and Coalition Critics
Political leaders have accused the ruling party of encouraging horse trading.
Prime ministerial ambitions
TVK Government and Supporters
Some TVK ministers have projected Vijay as a possible prime ministerial candidate.
Opposition and Coalition Critics
Congress members objected to the proposal, while the CPI (M) said its support for the government came with conditions.
Candidates for the two seats
TVK Government and Supporters
TVK may nominate the former AIADMK legislators who joined the party after resigning.
Opposition and Coalition Critics
The party could instead select its own loyal candidates, creating a potential internal disagreement.
- Polling date
- October 6, 2026
- Constituencies
- Madurantakam and Dharapuram
- Counting date
- October 9, 2026
- Assembly strength
- TVK is reported to hold 107 of 234 seats
- Majority mark
- 118 seats
- Vacant seats
- Seven Assembly seats are vacant, but by-elections have been announced for only two
- Potential defections
- TVK leader K A Sengottaiyan said 10 AIADMK MLAs may switch sides
- Election schedule
- Nominations: September 9–16; scrutiny: September 17; withdrawal deadline: September 19
