DMK Maintains Wait-and-Watch Approach Ahead of Tamil Nadu Assembly Bypolls

DMK President M K Stalin on Friday said the party is yet to decide whether it will contest the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly by-elections, putting to rest speculation over its electoral strategy.

Speaking to reporters, Stalin said no decision has been taken on the DMK's participation in the bypolls. Responding to claims that he may contest from the Tiruchirappalli-East Assembly constituency, he clarified that no decision has been made regarding his candidature either.

The bypolls are expected to be held in the coming months following multiple vacancies in the Assembly. Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay retained the Perambur constituency after the Assembly elections and resigned from the Tiruchirappalli-East seat, necessitating a by-election.

In addition, five AIADMK rebel MLAs vacated their Assembly seats. Maragatham Kumaravel (Madurantakam), S Jayakumar (Perundurai), P Sathyabama (Dharapuram-SC), Esakki Subaya (Ambasamudram), and C Vijayabaskar (Viralimalai) resigned from the Assembly over the past month.

Of the five, four rebels have already joined the ruling TVK , while Vijayabaskar is also expected to join the party, according to his supporters.

The bypolls assume added political significance after Stalin lost the Kolathur Assembly constituency in the April 23 elections. His statement indicates that the DMK is still weighing its options on both contesting the bypolls and fielding candidates, including the possibility of Stalin entering the fray.

By-elections for the vacant Assembly constituencies are expected to be announced within the next couple of months.