Case Filed Against DMK Leader Udhayanidhi Stalin Over Minor in Campaign

Tiruppur District Police registered a case against Tamil Nadu Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin for involving a minor in an election campaign for the Dharapuram by-election. During a meeting near the Periyar statue in Dharapuram town, the DMK leader made a minor boy get onto a campaign van and speak. The child made remarks against Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay by saying "Om Kali.. Bhadra Kali…". Police stated this violates Election Commission guidelines that ban involving children in election activities, noting the child spoke in a manner insulting the Chief Minister.

The Bypoll Battle

Udhayanidhi Stalin campaigned in the Nochipalayam area to support DMK candidate Advocate S Suganya. The Dharapuram bypoll is scheduled for October 6 with vote counting on October 9. The election was triggered when AIADMK MLA P Sathyabama resigned in May 2026, just days after winning her seat, to join the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) as their candidate. Scheduled Castes make up about a quarter of the population in this reserved constituency.

Context

Bypolls often carry high political stakes because they serve as early tests of strength for ruling parties and the opposition alike. Strict rules regarding minors in political campaigns are enforced by election authorities to protect children from political exploitation.