Campaigning for the by-elections in the Madhurantakam and Dharapuram Assembly constituencies concluded on Friday evening.
The Election Commission said polling will be held on October 6, with vote counting scheduled for October 9. The contest is described as a five-cornered fight.
On the final day of campaigning, Chief Minister Vijay held roadshows at several locations in Dharapuram. Ministers also took part in last-minute outreach in both constituencies, while candidates from the DMK, AIADMK, Naam Tamilar Katchi and the Communist party intensified voter contact.
In Dharapuram, Naam Tamilar Katchi coordinator Seeman addressed a meeting in support of the party’s candidate. Separately, the party’s candidate Karthika was arrested for allegedly campaigning without proper permission, leading to an argument between party workers and police.
With campaigning over, the Election Commission directed that outsiders must leave Madhurantakam and Dharapuram by 6 pm. It said checks would be conducted at marriage halls, community centres, lodges and guest houses, and warned candidates against arranging vehicles to bring voters. It also reiterated that election offices may be set up only beyond 100 metres from polling booths, with a maximum of two people inside.
