TVK Wins Two Tamil Nadu By‑Elections, Boosting Vijay’s New Government

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) clinched both the Madurantakam and Dharapuram Assembly by‑elections on Friday, giving Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay’s four‑month‑old government its first legislative win.

What Happened

In Madurantakam, TVK candidate Maragatham Kumaravel secured 74,048 votes, beating DMK’s E Paranthaman, who got 54,008, by a margin of 20,040. AIADMK’s Kanitha Sampath finished third with 47,450 votes. In Dharapuram, TVK’s P Sathyabama received 66,841 votes, outpacing DMK’s Suganya (57,370) by 9,471 votes, while AIADMK’s K Bhanumathi, who led early counts, fell to third with 45,280 votes. Both winners had been elected on AIADMK tickets in April, resigned, and joined TVK, prompting fresh polls only five months later. Their victories therefore show voters returning them despite the party switch.

Reaction

Vijay celebrated at the Secretariat with ministers as TVK workers burst crackers and handed out sweets. He said the verdict proved TVK’s strength, called it a win “without paying voters,” and framed it as a rejection of personal attacks on women and a victory for the people. Congress state president Manickam Tagore called the result a “certificate” for Vijay’s tenure, while VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan said it endorsed the ruling Secular Social Justice Victory Alliance. DMK president M K Stalin, whose candidates placed second, labelled the outcome an “interim victory for betrayal” and accused TVK of using government machinery, money and police power. AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami made similar allegations and warned of a temporary setback.

Context

Party switching by sitting MLAs has become a recurring feature in Tamil Nadu politics, often forcing by‑elections that can shift the balance of power for the ruling coalition.