Why a By-Election in Tamil Nadu is Gathering Importance

In the aftermath of the Lok Sabha election results, a by-election in the Vikravandi assembly constituency in Tamil Nadu’s Viluppuram district may seem inconsequential at first glance. The ruling DMK party has a comfortable majority in the House, and a loss in the by-election would not significantly impact its legislative agenda. Moreover, the principal opposition party, the AIADMK, has decided to boycott the election, which should further reduce the stakes. However, the situation is more complex than it appears.

The by-election is taking place against the backdrop of a hooch tragedy in the neighboring Kallakurichi district that claimed the lives of 65 people. Chief Minister MK Stalin is under pressure to explain the administrative and enforcement lapses that allowed bootlegging to flourish, and the absence of the AIADMK from the election is a cause for concern. The AIADMK’s boycott may lead to a polarization of votes, turning the election into a straight fight between the DMK and the PMK.

The DMK has benefited from the three-way split in the Lok Sabha election, which pitted the AIADMK and the BJP against each other for the second place. With the AIADMK out of the picture, the PMK has fielded C Anbumani as its candidate, while the DMK has nominated Anniyur Siva. The NTK has fielded Abinaya Ponnivalavan, who contested against PMK candidate Sowmya Anbumani in the recent Lok Sabha polls. The by-election was necessitated by the death of DMK MLA N Pugazhendhi in April this year.

The DMK is leaving no stone unturned to retain the constituency, with a battery of state ministers, MPs, and district secretaries meeting people and highlighting the schemes and achievements of the DMK government. PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss, on the other hand, is campaigning door-to-door on the issue of the denial of 10.5% reservation for Vanniyars. The Vikravandi electorate is predominantly composed of Vanniyar and Dalit communities, and it is an AIADMK stronghold. As the AIADMK is boycotting the election, both the PMK and NTK are trying to woo their vote bank. PMK leader Ramadoss and NTK leader Seeman have even sought votes from AIADMK supporters, with Seeman sending Abinaya to the opposition fast led by AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswamy, related to the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy. Ramadoss has claimed that AIADMK and NDA are united against the DMK as their common enemy.

Chief Minister Stalin has released a video highlighting the DMK’s commitment to social justice and backward communities, urging the Vikravandi electorate to “teach a lesson” to the BJP-led alliance. The ruling party has traditionally had the upper hand in by-elections in Tamil Nadu, with voters seeing them as an opportunity to get promises of development from the ruling party. However, this time the DMK is facing a stern test despite sweeping the Lok Sabha polls and gaining the largest share of votes in the Vikravandi assembly segment.

Historical Context:

The article mentions the Lok Sabha election results, which took place recently, and the death of DMK MLA N Pugazhendhi in April this year, necessitating the by-election. The AIADMK’s decision to boycott the election is also relevant, as it has a history of being a significant player in Tamil Nadu politics. The DMK and AIADMK have been rival parties in the state, with the AIADMK being a dominant force in the past. The DMK has been in power since 2021, and the AIADMK has been trying to regain its lost ground.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• A by-election is taking place in the Vikravandi assembly constituency in Tamil Nadu’s Viluppuram district, which may seem inconsequential at first glance due to the DMK’s comfortable majority in the House. • However, the election is gaining importance due to the hooch tragedy in the neighboring Kallakurichi district that claimed 65 lives, putting pressure on Chief Minister MK Stalin to explain administrative and enforcement lapses. • The AIADMK’s boycott of the election may lead to a polarization of votes, turning the election into a straight fight between the DMK and the PMK. • The DMK is campaigning aggressively, highlighting its schemes and achievements, while the PMK is focusing on the issue of 10.5% reservation for Vanniyars. • The NTK is trying to woo the Vanniyar and Dalit communities, which are the dominant demographics in the constituency. • PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss and NTK leader Seeman are seeking votes from AIADMK supporters, with Seeman even sending Abinaya to the opposition fast led by AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswamy. • Chief Minister Stalin has released a video highlighting the DMK’s commitment to social justice and backward communities, urging the electorate to “teach a lesson” to the BJP-led alliance. • The DMK has traditionally performed well in by-elections in Tamil Nadu, but this time it is facing a stern test despite sweeping the Lok Sabha polls and gaining the largest share of votes in the Vikravandi assembly segment.