By-elections scheduled for October 6 in Madurantakam and Dharapuram are expected to see a five-way contest involving T.V.K., DMK, AIADMK, NTK and the Left parties. With votes likely to split, parties anticipate narrow victory margins.
In Madurantakam, the AIADMK had won the last Assembly election with PMK’s support. The constituency is said to have a notable share of Vanniyar votes, and local political assessments suggest that PMK’s backing could be decisive.
Against this backdrop, T.V.K. leadership has reportedly begun efforts to draw PMK into its fold, though PMK has not indicated a clear position. At the same time, VCK—part of the T.V.K. alliance—has expressed opposition to the move.
AIADMK, too, is said to be holding talks to regain PMK’s support, but PMK leadership has remained silent. Meanwhile, T.V.K. is believed to be calculating that if PMK boycotts the bypolls, its vote base could be more easily consolidated.
According to reports, ministers Anand and Aadhav Arjuna have been holding confidential discussions through Sowmiya Anbumani, PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss’s wife and a party MLA. T.V.K. sources claim PMK is leaning towards a boycott, with an assurance of support for PMK in the upcoming local body elections being discussed in return.
