TVK Election Result | TVK Sweeps Key Bypolls; Vijay Hails 'Victory For People And Democracy'

The ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has won both assembly seats that went to by-elections in Tamil Nadu - Madurantakam and Dharapuram - strengthening Chief Minister Vijay’s position while dealing a fresh blow to the AIADMK. The seats fell vacant after sitting AIADMK MLAs Maragatham Kumaravel and Sathyabhama resigned within weeks of the Assembly elections and joined the ruling TVK, amid allegations of horsetrading that the party has denied. TVK fielded both leaders again, turning the by-polls into a test of whether they could retain their constituencies under their new political banner. In Dharapuram, Sathyabhama secured 66,841 votes, defeating the DMK candidate by a margin of 9,471 votes. In Madurantakam, Maragatham Kumaravel won with 74,048 votes, defeating the DMK’s Paranthaman by 20,040 votes. Both constituencies witnessed five-cornered contests. Despite Vijay’s star power and the support of former allies of the DMK now backing his government, the margins were not overwhelming, particularly in Dharapuram. However, the victories provide the ruling party with a boost as it seeks to expand its strength in the Assembly.