Tamil Nadu Bypolls Madurantakam Records Nearly 86% Turnout, Dharapuram 80.31% As TVK Turncoats Face Voters

Voting concluded in Tamil Nadu Assembly bypolls on Tuesday, with Madurantakam and Dharapuram, both reserved constituencies, witnessing voter turnout of 85.99% and 80.31% respectively. The ruling TVK, led by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, nominated Maragatham Kumaravel and P Sathyabama from the two seats. Both were recently elected to the Assembly on an AIADMK ticket but resigned within three weeks to join the TVK.

The voter turnout in both constituencies was lower than during the previous general elections - 93.22% in Madurantakam and 89.99% in Dharapuram. In neighbouring Puducherry, the Thattanchavady constituency held bypolls following the resignation of Chief Minister Rangasamy, where the turnout was 80.81%, around 6.29% lower than the 2026 general elections.

The bypolls generated heightened interest due to the shifting political dynamics. With the AIADMK, DMDK, IUML, and VCK backing the TVK, and the CPI and CPI-M supporting the government from outside, the elections became a test for the political landscape. The AIADMK had a significant split in its legislature party, with 25 MLAs supporting the Vijay government in the Confidence Motion, while six MLAs quit their Assembly membership to join the TVK.

The three-cornered contest between the TVK, DMK, and AIADMK unfolded as each party vied for recognition. Notably, Vijay, who rarely campaigned during the general elections, made a concerted effort by visiting both constituencies twice and conducting extensive roadshows. The stakes were high for all parties, with the TVK aiming to strengthen its presence in the 234-member House and the DMK and AIADMK seeking to demonstrate their position post the 2026 General Elections.