{
  "id": 11932288,
  "title": "4 days on road for 2 seats: Why Vijay stakes prestige for bypolls after Tamil Nadu win",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/4-days-on-road-for-2-seats-why-vijay-stakes-prestige-for-bypolls",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-04T13:28:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/vijay-tamil-nadu-bypolls-tvk-10906460/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has spent four days campaigning for two by-elections in Tamil Nadu, a significant departure from his usual campaign style. The elections in Madurantakam and Dharapuram will take place on October 6. Vijay has addressed public rallies and conducted roadshows, even making a 45-kilometer journey through more than 30 villages in Madurantakam. This level of campaigning contrasts with his April Assembly election, during which his own appearances were limited.\n\nThe intensity of Vijay's campaigning suggests that expectations have risen, with a senior TVK leader stating that a victory should secure 50% of the votes. The two constituencies were vacated by AIADMK legislators who crossed over to Vijay's party. A victory for the TVK would indicate that a significant number of voters have followed him, while a loss could complicate the narrative of Vijay's growing influence in Tamil Nadu politics.\n\nThe TVK is also testing the loyalty of its voter base, particularly women, who may be more inclined to support him compared to male voters who tend to remain loyal to established party loyalties. Vijay's decision to campaign intensively, even five months after his party's victory, highlights the importance of these by-elections and the symbolism they carry for both the ruling party and its opposition.\n\nThe AIADMK has made the bypoll a symbol of their discontent with Vijay's defection, accusing him of betraying his voters. The DMK, on the other hand, is using the opportunity to test its strength in the absence of its broader alliance from the previous election. The outcome of these by-elections could have significant implications for the political landscape in Tamil Nadu, with each party weighing the potential gains and consequences of their positions.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}