DMK is reportedly divided over whether to contest or boycott the by-elections in Madurantakam and Dharapuram, with nominations set to begin shortly for the October 6 polls.
According to senior party sources, the leadership is weighing the party’s prospects in both seats, where AIADMK is seen as strong. They pointed to DMK’s past performance in Madurantakam and the narrow margin in Dharapuram, arguing that the chances of winning are limited.
The internal debate also factors in the impact of a three-cornered contest involving Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). Party sources said a DMK defeat could hurt its calculations for upcoming local body elections, while staying away could invite criticism that the party is retreating.
Speaking at Chennai’s Anna Arivalayam, DMK president M K Stalin said questions are being raised about whether the Assembly is functioning with dignity, and added that the party’s stand on the by-elections would be announced soon.
Meanwhile, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami is holding consultations to secure a win, including discussions related to alliances and candidate selection. TVK leaders, for their part, are said to be keen on contesting, with some urging that tickets should go to long-time party workers rather than recent entrants from other parties.
