Vijay's Young Government Faces Early Test as Tamil Nadu By-Elections Pick Up

Five months after Tamil Nadu'It's new government was elected. The electorate has returned to the polls to address a narrower question: The sustainability of the political movement that brought C. Joseph Vijay to power.

Voting is underway in the two Assembly by-elections, with brisk turnout reported by late morning in both Madurantakam and Dharapuram. As of 11 am, Madurantakam had recorded 35.55% voter turnout, while Dharapuram had seen 37.28% voters cast their ballots.

Both constituencies are reserved seats, previously won by AIADMK candidates who subsequently resigned and joined Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), now seeking re-election under their new party's symbol.

The outcome of these by-elections will be vital in validating not only TVK's candidates but also the ongoing shift in politicians and local organisations towards the ruling party. Conversely, a loss for TVK would provide an opportunity for the AIADMK and DMK to argue that the post-April realignment has its limits.

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The initial hours of voting have yielded few reliable indications, with Madurantakam's turnout beginning sluggishly before accelerating.

TVK has placed significant emphasis on the role of women in its campaign. With women outnumbering men among registered voters in both constituencies. In Madurantakam, there are 108,797 women and 104,926 men among its 213,788 voters.

Meanwhile, Dharapuram has 116,013 women and 107,285 men among its 223,306 electors. Earlier, Maragatham Kumaravel, TVK's candidate in Madurakam, stated, Voter enthusiasm remains high, with people coming to the polls with smiling faces.

Disruptions plagued polling stations across Madurantakam, with technical issues reported at multiple booths. At Sithandi's booth 26, the control unit failed twice, prompting a replacement. Similarly, at L Endathur's booth 55, a visible mark on a candidate's name prompted polling agents to reject the ballot unit.

In Dharapuram, a malfunctioning EVM at a Kottapulipalayam booth halted voting, while a separate issue at Kundadam-Manurpalayam's polling station delayed the process. These issues marred the voting experience in several areas.

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TVK secured 108 seats in April but ultimately formed a government due to the lack of a majority. Relying on support from smaller parties. Since then, defections from the AIADMK have altered the political landscape, with Maragatham Kumaravel and P Sathyabama among the legislators who resigned and joined TVK.

The by-elections are taking place five months after Tamil Nadu's new government was elected. Providing valuable insights into the durability of the political movement that brought C. Joseph Vijay to power.

Polling continues until 6 pm, with counting scheduled for October 9.