A total of 46 candidates contested the bypoll, with major parties like AIADMK and BJP boycotting. The main contest was between DMK and NTK, recording a 67.97 percent voter turnout on 5 February, slightly lower than 2023
Published Feb 08, 2025 | 5:23 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 08, 2025 | 5:23 PM
DMK’s VC Chandhirakumar wins Erode East bypoll, secures victory after 17 rounds of counting
Synopsis: Erode East’s 2025 by-election saw a high-stakes contest with vote counting spanning 17 rounds. DMK-backed candidate VC Chandhirakumar triumphed over NTK’s MK Seethalakshmi. Despite 46 candidates, the key battle was between DMK and NTK, after AIADMK and BJP’s boycott. The election recorded a 67.97 percent turnout, slightly lower than 2023, bolstering DMK’s dominance ahead of future political challenges
Erode East witnessed a high-stakes electoral battle as vote counting for the 2025 by-election commenced at 8 AM and concluded after 17 rounds.
DMK-backed candidate V.C. Chandhirakumar (1,14,439 votes) secured victory, defeating Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) candidate M.K. Seethalakshmi (23,810 votes) by a decisive margin of 90,629 votes.
In the last bypoll, NTK candidate Menaka Navaneethan secured 10,827 votes. However, this time, NTK candidate M.K. Seethalakshmi surpassed that tally, securing 23,810 votes. But with 25,673 votes required to retain the deposit, Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) fell short, failing to meet the required threshold.
A total of 46 candidates contested in the bypoll, but with major opposition parties like the AIADMK and BJP boycotting the election, the primary contest remained between DMK and NTK. The election recorded a 67.97 percemt voter turnout on 5 February, witnessing a slight decline compared to the 2023 bypoll turnout.
This win further strengthens the DMK’s hold on the constituency and positions the party strongly ahead of upcoming political challenges in Tamil Nadu.
The by-election was necessitated by the demise of Congress MLA EVKS Elangovan on 14 December, 2024, leading to the constituency’s second bypoll.
Elangovan had won the seat in the February 2023 bypoll after his son and former MLA E Thirumahan Everaa’s unexpected passing.
Thirumahan Everaa, who represented the Congress, died suddenly in January 2023 due to a cardiac arrest, leaving the constituency without representation.
This marks the second by-election for Erode East in two years, highlighting the unique political circumstances surrounding this crucial legislative assembly seat.
The counting process, conducted under stringent security measures, ensured fairness, with election authorities closely monitoring proceedings to prevent discrepancies or procedural lapses.
Chandhirakumar maintained a consistent lead across multiple rounds, gradually increasing his vote share as the counting process progressed throughout the day.
Reports surfaced regarding minor tensions between NTK representatives and election officials, but the Election Commission swiftly intervened to maintain order and transparency.
Despite these minor disruptions, the vote-counting process remained largely smooth, culminating in an undisputed declaration of results by the afternoon.
With this victory, DMK successfully retains the Erode East seat, reinforcing its influence in Tamil Nadu’s evolving and highly competitive political landscape.
This result is expected to influence political strategies, shape electoral alliances, and serve as a crucial indicator for upcoming elections in the state.
The DMK’s electoral performance in Erode East signals the party’s continued dominance and resilience amid shifting political dynamics in Tamil Nadu.
Whilst political opponents engaged in debates over Periyar and ideological issues, DMK remained focused on electoral success, ultimately securing a decisive victory in Erode East.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
