The New Indian Express ·
Politics
Dharapuram gears up for first bye-election since 1967
TIRUPPUR: The Dharapuram constituency, a reserved seat in TN since 1967, is set to face its first bye-election on October 6. This constituency, long dominated by Dravidian majors DMK and AIADMK, remained with them even in the 2026 Assembly election. Although TVK won 108 constituencies across the state and came to power, it could secure only third place in Dharapuram.
P Sathyabama, who won on an AIADMK seat, has sought an opportunity again here after joining the TVK. During the 2026 Assembly election, a fierce contest unfolded between the AIADMK and the DMK here, and both parties had given opportunities to new faces.
Earlier, during the 2021 election, DMK former minister Kayalvizhi N Selvaraj defeated BJP’s Union Minister of State L Murugan in this constituency. In 2026, the DMK gave the opportunity to T Indrani in Dharapuram constituency, while Sathyabama contested on behalf of the AIADMK. Gowri Chitra contested on a TVK ticket, while Divya was from NTK, and five others were independent candidates.
Sathyabhama won the election, securing 81,100 votes, while Indrani secured the second place with 64,373 votes. TVK's Gowri Chitra secured the third spot with 46,438 votes. Later, Sathyabhama voted in support of the TVK during the floor test in the Assembly and subsequently resigned from her MLA post and joined the TVK.
Against this backdrop, the constituency is set to face its first bye-election on October 6. Sathyabhama is currently the Dharapuram district secretary of TVK. Party sources indicate that Sathyabhama is seeking an opportunity again, adding that if the opportunity does not come her way, she is keen on securing it for her son or daughter-in-law.
There is also alleged dissatisfaction among the public with her as she switched parties. Speaking to TNIE, Sathyabama said, "In my capacity as district secretary, I have sent some recommendations to the party leadership. Similarly, I too have asked for an opportunity. That is natural. However, the final decision will be taken by the party leadership. We will abide by the decision of the party leadership."
Meanwhile, Gowri Chitra has stated that she sould contest again if the party leadership offers the opportunity. C Kalidas, Tiruppur East district president of Tamil Maanila Congress, said, "Our leadership is in a position to support the ruling party.
However, if Sathyabhama is given an opportunity again in the TVK, we will urge our party leadership to reconsider the decision to extend support since there is dissatisfaction among the people. Moreover, even after joining the TVK, she did nothing for this constituency."
This aside, the names of incumbent municipal chairperson K Pappukannan and former minister Kayalvizhi N Selvaraj are circulating within the DMK camp. There are also talks that the successor of former DMK MLA Prabhavathi Periyasamy from the constituency may be given a chance or a new face might be fielded, sources said.
Party sources indicated that the candidate's name is likely to be announced on Wednesday. The name of 'Bunk' Mahesh is circulating within the AIADMK. R Selvakumaran, East (Suburb) district secretary of AIADMK, said, "Our general secretary has asked for a list of three names. However, about 25 people have expressed interest. We will send the list soon."
On Tuesday, AIADMK functionaries held a consultation meeting in Dharapuram ahead of the bye-election. In the general elections held so far in this constituency, the DMK has won six times and the AIADMK, five times.
