Archive · 9 Sep 2026
Tamil Nadu By-Elections Set AIADMK Against TVK Contestants
Two seats in Tamil Nadu's Assembly will have new elections on October 6.
The elections are needed because two representatives left the AIADMK and joined the TVK.
The TVK may nominate those same former representatives again.
The AIADMK wants to win back both seats.
Its leader has invited party members to apply as candidates.
The DMK is discussing whether to stay out of the elections.
It may also support AIADMK candidates to try to defeat the TVK.
The results could show how people feel about the TVK government, even though they will not decide whether it remains in power.
The Election Commission announced October 6 by-elections for Madurantakam (SC) and Dharapuram (SC).
The seats became vacant after AIADMK representatives resigned and moved to the TVK.
AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami called for applications and said the party should reclaim both constituencies.
TVK is expected to field Maragatham Kumaravel in Madurantakam and P Sathyabhama in Dharapuram.
The DMK is considering a boycott or possible support for AIADMK candidates to oppose the TVK.
- Who
- The AIADMK, TVK and DMK are the main parties involved; named candidates include Maragatham Kumaravel and P Sathyabhama.
- What
- By-elections will be held for the Madurantakam (SC) and Dharapuram (SC) Assembly constituencies.
- When
- The Election Commission announced the elections for October 6; the year is not specified.
- Where
- Madurantakam and Dharapuram in Tamil Nadu.
- Why
- The seats became vacant after elected AIADMK representatives resigned to join the TVK.
AIADMK and Possible DMK Support
TVK and Former AIADMK Representatives
Who should win the seats
AIADMK and Possible DMK Support
The AIADMK says the constituencies are traditionally its seats and intends to reclaim them with popular local candidates.
TVK and Former AIADMK Representatives
The TVK is expected to nominate the former AIADMK representatives who switched parties, Maragatham Kumaravel and P Sathyabhama.
DMK's election strategy
AIADMK and Possible DMK Support
The DMK may boycott the by-elections or support AIADMK candidates in an effort to defeat the TVK.
TVK and Former AIADMK Representatives
The TVK is positioned to contest the seats directly and use the elections to demonstrate support for its government.
Meaning of the results
AIADMK and Possible DMK Support
A win for AIADMK-backed candidates would indicate that the party can retain support in the constituencies despite defections.
TVK and Former AIADMK Representatives
A TVK victory would provide an important measure of public support for the TVK government, although the result would not affect its political stability.
- Election date
- October 6; the year is not specified
- Constituencies
- Madurantakam (SC) and Dharapuram (SC)
- Vacancy cause
- AIADMK representatives resigned after moving to the TVK
- TVK candidates
- Maragatham Kumaravel in Madurantakam and P Sathyabhama in Dharapuram
- AIADMK response
- Edappadi K Palaniswami called for applications from prospective candidates
- DMK position
- The party was considering a boycott or possible support for AIADMK candidates
- Political significance
- The by-elections could serve as a measure of the TVK government's performance