Chennai: With by-elections scheduled on October 6 for the vacant Madurantakam and Dharapuram Assembly constituencies, TVK is working on a strategy to strengthen its prospects by engaging in talks with the PMK leadership.
TVK has fielded Maragatham Kumaravel in Madurantakam and Sathyabama in Dharapuram. Parties already in its alliance—Congress, VCK, MDMK and the Indian Union Muslim League—have announced support and indicated they are ready to take part in campaigning.
Although Madurantakam is a reserved constituency, Vanniyar votes are said to be significant. TVK sources point out that in the previous Assembly election, PMK votes helped the AIADMK candidate Maragatham Kumaravel win comfortably, making PMK’s stance a key factor in the bypoll.
According to TVK circles, two ministers are in dialogue with PMK leaders. While some PMK MLAs and functionaries are reportedly interested in aligning with TVK, the presence of VCK in the alliance is said to be a sticking point, complicating any open declaration of support.
As an alternative, discussions are said to be focused on urging PMK to avoid backing the AIADMK and instead adopt an election boycott position. The report notes that PMK leader Anbumani had earlier strongly criticised Maragatham Kumaravel’s resignation and had vowed to defeat her if she contested again, placing PMK in a difficult situation.
