Published Oct 09, 2026 | 6:41 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 09, 2026 | 6:42 PM
Vijay thanked voters in both constituencies, along with leaders and functionaries of alliance partners. (Photo| X/ TVK)
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and TVK president C. Joseph Vijay has thanked voters following his party’s victory in the Dharapuram and Madurantakam Assembly by-elections, describing the results as a “victory for democracy and political civility.”
In a statement, Vijay claimed that TVK had won without distributing money to voters or resorting to what he described as “vote-buying.” He said the results demonstrated that Tamil Nadu was not a stronghold of corrupt forces but belonged to its people.
Responding to criticism over his limited campaigning in the two constituencies, Vijay said the results had answered those who mocked his two-day campaign. He also alleged that the previous DMK government had prevented him from campaigning across Tamil Nadu during the April Assembly election.
Vijay thanked voters in both constituencies, along with leaders and functionaries of alliance partners, including Congress, VCK, and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). He also congratulated TVK candidates K. Maragatham Kumaravel, who won in Madurantakam, and P. Sathyabama, who won in Dharapuram.
Vijay said the victories went beyond a personal or party win, representing a rejection of remarks targeting women, personal attacks and political betrayal. He described the results as a victory for political and personal civility, as well as for the voters.
Also Read: TVK wins Dharapuram and Madurantakam by-elections; road ahead to an independent majority
DMK president and former Tamil Nadu chief minister M.K. Stalin on Friday described the TVK’s victory in the Dharapuram and Madurantakam Assembly by-elections as “temporary wins for betrayal,” alleging that the results marked the beginning of a “decline” in CM Vijay’s political image.
In a statement, Stalin thanked voters who supported the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance candidates and party workers who campaigned in the two constituencies. He noted that the by-elections were necessitated by the resignation of two AIADMK MLAs who subsequently joined TVK within months of the Assembly election, calling it a “blatant murder of democracy.”
The DMK chief also accused the ruling party of using its administrative authority, money power and police force to secure the victory. He also criticised Vijay’s campaign, alleging that the chief minister had relied on his cinematic appeal and social media-style appearances rather than governance and political work.
Stalin further alleged that the TVK-led government announced welfare measures after the election schedule was declared, potentially violating the Model Code of Conduct. He also accused the ruling party of distributing money and gifts to voters, intimidating opponents and misusing official machinery.
Claiming that the DMK’s support base remained intact despite the ruling party’s campaign, Stalin argued that votes polled by parties opposing the TVK should be viewed as votes against the government. He urged the government to focus on public welfare rather than political bargaining, personal attacks and publicity.
(Edited by Fayisa CA, with inputs from Subash Chandra Bose)
