Archive · 9 Oct 2026
AIADMK Leads Dharapuram by Five Votes as TVK Leads Madurantakam
Votes are being counted in two Tamil Nadu Assembly by-elections.
After the first round, AIADMK was ahead in Dharapuram by just five votes.
TVK was ahead in Madurantakam.
These are early numbers, and more votes still have to be counted.
The counting began with postal ballots, followed by votes recorded on electronic voting machines.
The by-elections were held after two former AIADMK MLAs resigned and joined TVK.
Both former MLAs are now running for their seats under TVK.
The final results will be announced after counting is finished and officials certify them.
After the first counting round in Dharapuram, AIADMK candidate K Banumathi led TVK’s P Sathyabama by five votes, 2,639 to 2,634.
In Madurantakam, TVK candidate K Maragatham Kumaravel led with 3,571 votes, ahead of I Paranthamen with 2,611 and AIADMK’s S Kanitha Sampath with 2,078.
Counting began at 8 am, with postal ballots counted before votes cast through electronic voting machines; several rounds remained.
The bypolls followed the resignations and party switches of MLAs elected on AIADMK tickets earlier in the year; both are seeking re-election for TVK.
Turnout was about 80.30% in Dharapuram and 86.26% in Madurantakam; final results await completion of counting and certification.
- Who
- Candidates from AIADMK, TVK and other parties are contesting the Dharapuram and Madurantakam Assembly bypolls.
- What
- First-round figures showed AIADMK narrowly ahead in Dharapuram and TVK ahead in Madurantakam.
- When
- Counting began at 8 am on Friday; the article gives no year.
- Where
- Dharapuram and Madurantakam, Tamil Nadu.
- Why
- The bypolls were triggered after MLAs elected on AIADMK tickets resigned and joined TVK.
- Dharapuram first-round leader
- K Banumathi (AIADMK), 2,639 votes; P Sathyabama (TVK), 2,634.
- Dharapuram third-place candidate
- S Suganya (DMK), 2,019 votes.
- Madurantakam first-round leader
- K Maragatham Kumaravel (TVK), 3,571 votes.
- Madurantakam other reported totals
- I Paranthamen had 2,611 votes; S Kanitha Sampath (AIADMK) had 2,078.
- Turnout
- About 80.30% in Dharapuram and 86.26% in Madurantakam.
- Candidates
- 22 contested in Dharapuram and 27 in Madurantakam.
- Counting status
- Figures were provisional after the first round; final results were due after all rounds and Returning Officer certification.