DMK joins bypoll race in Madurantakam and Dharapuram, setting up three-way contest

The upcoming Assembly bypolls in Madurantakam and Dharapuram are set to witness a three-cornered contest, with the DMK deciding to field candidates. The move follows the AIADMK's earlier announcement on Tuesday that it would also put up nominees for both seats.

The vacancies arose after the elected AIADMK members resigned and joined the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The AIADMK has already begun inviting applications from prospective candidates.

Party sources said the DMK high command has summoned district secretaries to Chennai to plan the campaign for the two constituencies. The decision puts an end to speculation that the DMK might stay away from the contest, possibly due to an undeclared understanding with the AIADMK against the TVK.

A senior DMK leader explained that contesting the bypolls was necessary to avoid any impression of collusion with the AIADMK. "If we stay away, it would be seen as an understanding with them. As the main Opposition party, we cannot skip bypolls held after the general election," the leader said, adding that the party had no reservations about the electoral process.

Both Madurantakam and Dharapuram are reserved constituencies. The AIADMK had fielded Maragatham Kumaravel from Madurantakam and P. Sathyabama from Dharapuram in the general election. While both are reportedly keen on contesting again, it remains unclear whether they can retain the AIADMK vote bank now that the party itself is fielding candidates.