DMK’s decision to field a candidate from outside the Madurantakam Assembly constituency has triggered discontent among local party functionaries, according to party sources. Chief Minister and DMK president M K Stalin has announced Chennai-based former MLA Paranthaman as the party’s candidate.
Local leaders say several union secretaries and key functionaries who have worked in the constituency for nearly a decade had hoped for the ticket. With their aspirations dashed, some are said to be considering staying away from campaign work.
Functionaries also argue that caste equations—particularly Dalit, Vanniyar and Mudaliyar votes—play a decisive role in Madurantakam, and that local organisers are better placed to manage community outreach. They fear an “outsider” candidate may struggle to build broad acceptance across groups.
Sources claim rival party TVK is looking to capitalise on the internal dissatisfaction to split DMK’s core vote base. Concerns have also been raised that local leaders may be reluctant to spend money for the campaign, potentially weakening booth committees.
The bypolls for Madurantakam and Dharapuram are scheduled for October 6. DMK has named Paranthaman for Madurantakam and Suganya for Dharapuram, and appointed Anbarasan and Sundar as election in-charges for Madurantakam, while deputy general secretary Saminathan and Padmanabhan will oversee Dharapuram.
