DMK's poll entry turns Tamil Nadu bypolls into three-cornered contest

The upcoming byelections to the Madurantakam and Dharapuram Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu are set to witness a three-cornered contest, with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) deciding to field candidates. The move brings the ruling DMK, the AIADMK, and the newly formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) led by actor Vijay into a direct electoral fight.

The seats fell vacant after Maragatham Kumaravel and P. Sathyabama — the legislators elected from these reserved constituencies in the 2021 Assembly polls — resigned from the AIADMK and joined the TVK. Both are Scheduled Caste reserved seats, and the vacating members are now expected to contest again, likely on the TVK ticket.

The DMK high command has invited its district secretaries to Chennai to chalk out the election strategy. The party's decision comes amid speculation that it might have a tacit understanding with the AIADMK against the TVK. The AIADMK has already invited applications from prospective candidates.

A senior DMK leader said staying away from the contest would have created a wrong impression. "If the DMK does not contest, it will be construed that we have an understanding with the AIADMK. We do not want to create any such impression," the leader said. "As a responsible party, we cannot stay away from by-elections held after the general election."

The focus now shifts to Kumaravel and Sathyabama, who hope to regain their seats after switching sides. However, it is unclear whether they will benefit from the AIADMK's traditional vote bank, as the party had fielded them in the previous election. The AIADMK is likely to field new candidates, which could split the anti-DMK votes.

The bypolls are considered significant because they will offer the TVK its first electoral test in these regions since its formation in 2024. For the DMK, which governs the state, the election is an opportunity to assert its dominance amid the emergence of a new challenger. The AIADMK, on its part, is keen to hold on to its support base after the resignations.

All three parties have begun groundwork in the constituencies, though the Election Commission is yet to announce the poll schedule. The outcome of the two seats, though limited in number, is likely to influence the political narrative in Tamil Nadu in the coming months.