Chennai, 15 September (H.S.): AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS)has projected the October 6 Assembly by-elections in Madurantakam and Dharapuram as a test of his party’s enduring grassroots strength, asserting that it will retain both constituencies despite recent defections.

In a social media post, Palaniswami said the two Scheduled Caste-reserved seats were AIADMK strongholds and recalled that the party had captured them in the 2026 Assembly election. He expressed confidence that voters would support its candidates when votes are counted on October 9.

The bypolls were necessitated by the resignations of AIADMK legislators K. Maragatham Kumaravel and P. Sathyabama, who subsequently joined Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. The ruling party has fielded both former legislators from their respective constituencies.

TVK hopes their influence, Vijay’s popularity and the support of its Secular Social Justice Victory Alliance will help it secure the seats under its banner.

The AIADMK has nominated former legislator Kanitha Sampath in Madurantakam and Tiruppur district women’s wing functionary Bhanumathi in Dharapuram. The DMK has fielded advocates I. Paranthamen and S. Suganya in the two constituencies respectively.

The outcome carries significance for Palaniswami as the AIADMK faces divisions and questions over his command of the legislature party following its Assembly election defeat. Six of its legislators have resigned or broken ranks since the election, strengthening TVK and increasing pressure on the opposition leadership.

Palaniswami also targeted the government over Vijay’s London visit, demanding disclosure of the investments secured after the Chief Minister returns to Chennai.

He further alleged that unannounced power cuts were affecting families, businesses and students. Night-time outages had exposed residents to mosquito bites and disrupted children’s studies, he said, urging the administration to restore supply. Palaniswami maintained that victories in both seats would prove the AIADMK’s organisational network remains resilient despite defections and political setbacks.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman