DMK is reportedly weighing whether to contest or stay away from the by-elections in Madurantakam and Dharapuram, scheduled for October 6. Nomination filing for the two constituencies begins today.
According to senior party functionaries, the leadership held discussions under Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on how to approach the polls. They said AIADMK is considered strong in both seats, citing past results and narrow margins.
The leaders argued that a three-cornered contest could end up benefiting TVK, and that a defeat for DMK in the bypolls could hurt the party’s calculations ahead of local body elections. They also suggested that if DMK stays out, it could indirectly help AIADMK defeat TVK in both constituencies.
At the same time, they acknowledged that skipping the election could be portrayed as DMK retreating out of fear of TVK. The party is said to be continuing consultations for a final call.
Speaking to reporters in Chennai on Monday, Stalin said questions were being raised about whether the Assembly was functioning with dignity, and added that DMK’s stand on the by-elections would be announced soon.
