Madurantakam by-election enters final stretch amid party realignment
Campaigning is nearing its end in Tamil Nadu’s Madurantakam Assembly by-election, where former AIADMK legislator Maragatham Kumaravel is contesting for the TVK after resigning soon after winning the seat. Rival parties say voters feel betrayed, while the PMK’s neutral position could influence the contest.
Campaigning for the Madurantakam Assembly by-election in Tamil Nadu is entering its final stage, with the contest shaped by a recent party switch and uncertainty over the role of the PMK. The by-election is scheduled for October 6. Maragatham Kumaravel, who regained the seat for the AIADMK in the 2026 elections, resigned from the Assembly less than three weeks after the results and joined the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.
She is now contesting the seat as the TVK candidate. TVK president and Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay held a four-and-a-half-hour roadshow in the constituency on Friday.
The route passed through about three dozen villages, drawing large crowds, although local residents cautioned that attendance at rallies would not necessarily translate into votes. A key uncertainty is the position of the PMK. The party has said it will remain neutral after falling out with its alliance partner, the AIADMK, over the choice of candidates.
There were unconfirmed reports of possible backchannel discussions between the PMK and TVK, but the supplied account said supporters at the grassroots were unclear about the party’s position. A grocery store owner, Ashok, said the PMK’s support could be important because it had been allied with the AIADMK in the previous two elections. Vanniyars, the PMK’s main support base, account for more than 30% of the electorate, according to the report.
The constituency is reserved for Scheduled Caste candidates, whose communities make up a little over 40% of voters. AIADMK, DMK and CPI(M) candidates criticised the by-election and Kumaravel’s switch. They said voters had been denied a full term and described the move as a betrayal.
The DMK candidate also cited price rises, higher electricity tariffs and changes to the rural employment guarantee scheme. The supplied report said voters remained divided, with some praising the TVK’s new appeal and others retaining support for established parties. Campaigning was due to end on Sunday evening.
This independently written report is based on information supplied by the named publisher. Vertrix News has not independently verified the source report.