Synopsis
V.C. Chandhirakumar of the DMK has won the Erode East by-election with a historic margin of 96,029 votes over NTK's M.K. Seethalakshmi. His victory reflects the DMK's dominance in the region and sets the stage for the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.Key Takeaways
- V.C. Chandhirakumar won Erode East by-election.
- Defeated NTK's M.K. Seethalakshmi by 96,029 votes.
- DMK secured 75% of total votes cast.
- Victory signals DMK's strength ahead of 2026 elections.
- Campaign marked by tensions between political rivals.
Chennai, Feb 8 (NationPress) V.C. Chandhirakumar, a prominent leader of the DMK and former MLA, celebrated a remarkable triumph in the Erode East by-election conducted on February 5. He triumphed over his closest competitor, M.K. Seethalakshmi from the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), with a staggering margin of 96,029 votes.
Chandhirakumar garnered 1,14,439 votes, whereas Seethalakshmi only managed 23,810 votes, failing to retain her election deposit. The NOTA (None of the Above) option attracted 6,040 votes, ranking third in the overall tally.
The DMK maintained a decisive lead against Seethalakshmi from the beginning, establishing the election as an overwhelmingly one-sided contest.
In a statement to the media following his victory, Chandhirakumar dedicated his success to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. He highlighted that receiving over 75 percent of the total votes reflects the DMK's robust presence in the constituency.
He further proclaimed that this resounding victory serves as a precursor to the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, which he confidently anticipates the DMK will win by a significant majority.
Chandhirakumar also expressed gratitude to State Minister S. Muthusamy for spearheading the campaign promptly after the party announced its candidate for the Erode East by-elections.
After the election results were announced, DMK and INDIA bloc activists and leaders erupted in jubilation throughout Erode East and at the DMK headquarters, ‘Anna Arivalayam’, in Chennai. Party members celebrated with fireworks and distributed sweets to commemorate the victory.
Out of 46 candidates, including Independents, who contested the by-election, the primary competition was between DMK’s Chandhirakumar and NTK’s Seethalakshmi. The constituency experienced a voter turnout of 67.97 percent, with 1,54,657 individuals casting their votes.
The AIADMK, BJP, DMDK, and Tamil superstar Vijay’s newly established political entity, TVK, opted not to participate in these elections.
The NTK, under the leadership of Seeman, concentrated on a campaign characterized by stringent critiques of Dravidar Kazhagam founder E.V. Ramasamy ‘Periyar’, alongside attacks on the DMK government. Conversely, the DMK's campaign focused on showcasing the state government's accomplishments.
Despite the election proceeding largely without incident, tensions flared between NTK and Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam (TPDK) supporters. Following a confrontation, police initiated multiple cases against Seeman, NTK candidate Seethalakshmi, and several party members for breaching campaign regulations, obstructing roads, and assaulting TPDK associates.
This by-election was necessitated by the death of veteran Congress leader E.V.K.S. Elangovan, who previously secured the seat in the 2023 by-election following the untimely passing of his son, Thirumahan Everaa, due to a heart attack on January 4, 2023. In the 2023 by-election, Elangovan achieved a significant victory by a margin of 66,233 votes, defeating AIADMK’s K.S. Thenarassu, while NTK candidate Menaka Navaneethan received 10,827 votes.
