Archive · 11 Sep 2026
TVK Fields Ex-AIADMK MLAs in October 6 Bypolls
Two Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu need new elections because their lawmakers resigned.
The former lawmakers, Maragatham Kumaravel and Sathyabama, left AIADMK and joined TVK.
TVK has now chosen both of them to run again in the same areas.
Kumaravel will contest Madurantakam, and Sathyabama will contest Dharapuram.
AIADMK has chosen Kanitha Sampath and Bhanumathi to oppose them.
DMK has also announced candidates for both seats.
Voting will happen on October 6, and the votes will be counted on October 9.
TVK hopes the former lawmakers’ local popularity will help, while AIADMK wants to win back the seats.
TVK nominated former AIADMK MLAs K. Maragatham Kumaravel and P. Sathyabama for the Madurantakam and Dharapuram by-elections.
Both lawmakers resigned from the AIADMK and their Assembly seats on May 25 before joining TVK, creating the vacancies.
Polling is scheduled for October 6, with vote counting set for October 9, in the two reserved constituencies.
AIADMK selected Kanitha Sampath and Bhanumathi, while DMK named I. Paranthaman and S. Suganya for the respective seats.
TVK is relying on the nominees’ local popularity, while AIADMK is seeking to reclaim seats it considers former strongholds.
- Who
- TVK, AIADMK, DMK, former AIADMK MLAs K. Maragatham Kumaravel and P. Sathyabama, and other contesting parties are involved.
- What
- By-elections will be held for the Madurantakam (SC) and Dharapuram (SC) Assembly constituencies.
- When
- Polling is scheduled for October 6, with counting on October 9; the two MLAs resigned on May 25.
- Where
- The Madurantakam and Dharapuram Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu.
- Why
- The seats became vacant after Kumaravel and Sathyabama resigned as AIADMK legislators and joined TVK.
TVK’s Case
AIADMK’s Case
Candidate strategy
TVK’s Case
TVK is fielding the two former AIADMK legislators, relying on their electoral experience, local networks and personal popularity.
AIADMK’s Case
AIADMK has selected different candidates and is seeking support from alliance partners, including the BJP.
Seat ownership
TVK’s Case
TVK is presenting Kumaravel and Sathyabama as candidates in the constituencies they previously represented.
AIADMK’s Case
AIADMK is campaigning to reclaim the two seats, which it regards as former strongholds and seats that technically belonged to the party.
Political significance
TVK’s Case
TVK views the by-elections as an opportunity for a decisive victory and an important test after forming the government.
AIADMK’s Case
AIADMK is seeking to demonstrate that it can regain support in the constituencies it lost after the resignations.
- Polling date
- October 6
- Counting date
- October 9
- Constituencies
- Madurantakam (SC) and Dharapuram (SC)
- TVK candidates
- K. Maragatham Kumaravel and P. Sathyabama
- AIADMK candidates
- Kanitha Sampath and Bhanumathi
- DMK candidates
- I. Paranthaman and S. Suganya
- Vacancy trigger
- The two former AIADMK MLAs resigned on May 25 and joined TVK
- Additional contest
- Naam Tamilar Katchi is expected to announce its candidates
