DMK enters Tamil Nadu bypoll fray, setting up three-way contests
DMK will contest the Madurantakam and Dharapuram Assembly bypolls, making them three-cornered fights against AIADMK and ruling TVK.
The upcoming Assembly bypolls in Tamil Nadu's Madurantakam and Dharapuram constituencies are set to become three-cornered contests, with the DMK deciding to field candidates. The two seats fell vacant after the elected AIADMK members resigned and joined the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).
The DMK's high command has summoned its district secretaries to Chennai to finalise the electoral strategy. The decision puts an end to speculation that the party might stay away from the polls, possibly due to an undeclared understanding with the AIADMK against the TVK.
A senior DMK leader explained the rationale behind the move, stating that sitting out would have been interpreted as a secret pact with the AIADMK. The leader added that as the principal Opposition party, the DMK cannot skip by-elections held soon after a general election, nor does it want to signal any reluctance to test the electoral waters.
Meanwhile, the AIADMK has already begun inviting applications from prospective candidates. The DMK's entry means both the Opposition parties will now compete alongside the ruling TVK in the two reserved constituencies.
It remains uncertain whether Maragatham Kumaravel and P. Sathyabama, who won Madurantakam and Dharapuram respectively for the AIADMK in the general election, will get to contest again. Their prospects may depend on whether the AIADMK's vote bank transfers to them, given they were originally fielded by that party.