விஜய் களமிறக்கிய பெண் தளபதி! பரந்தாமனை எதிர்க்கும் ஜெ. விசுவாசி | TVK
The Madurantakam Assembly by-election is turning into one of the most closely watched political contests in Tamil Nadu, with TVK chief and Chief Minister Vijay placing his confidence in former AIADMK MLA K. Maragatham Kumaravel.
Vijay has once again fielded Maragatham from Madurantakam, this time under the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) banner. Her principal challenger from the DMK is former MLA I. Parandaman, setting up a high-profile battle in the reserved constituency.
Vijay’s Choice: Maragatham Kumaravel
Maragatham Kumaravel is not entering the constituency as a political newcomer.
She won Madurantakam in the 2021 Assembly election and retained the seat in the 2026 Assembly election as an AIADMK candidate. After winning the 2026 election, she resigned as MLA and joined Vijay’s TVK.
Her decision created the vacancy that has now triggered the by-election.
Vijay has decided to back her again rather than introduce a new face. The move suggests that TVK wants to capitalise on Maragatham’s existing local political network and familiarity with voters.
From AIADMK MLA to Vijay’s TVK Candidate
The political journey of Maragatham Kumaravel is at the heart of this election.
She previously represented AIADMK in Madurantakam and has now switched sides to Vijay’s party. The by-election therefore carries an additional political question: Will voters follow the candidate, the party or both?
TVK appears confident that her existing connection with the constituency, combined with the appeal of Vijay and the ruling party’s campaign, can help her return to the Assembly.
Maragatham herself has expressed confidence about winning the seat again, pointing to the performance of the TVK government during its first 100 days as an issue that the party will take to voters.
Parandaman Stands in Her Way
Facing Maragatham is DMK candidate I. Parandaman, a former MLA from Madurantakam.
The DMK is looking to use the by-election to challenge TVK directly in a constituency where the ruling party is attempting to consolidate its political strength.
The contest is therefore more than a fight between two individual candidates. It has become a test of Vijay’s growing political influence versus the DMK’s organisational strength and Parandaman’s experience in the constituency.
What Makes Madurantakam Important?
Madurantakam has traditionally been an important constituency for AIADMK, making the current three-way contest particularly interesting.
The 2026 Assembly election itself showed how competitive the seat can be. Maragatham Kumaravel won the constituency for AIADMK, while TVK finished second and DMK third.
Now the political equations have changed dramatically.
The same Maragatham Kumaravel who previously contested against TVK is now representing Vijay’s party. AIADMK, meanwhile, is attempting to defend its traditional strength, while DMK is seeking to capture the seat.
The Big Question: Can Vijay Repeat the Victory?
For TVK, Madurantakam could become an important symbol of the party’s ability to retain support after forming the government.
For Maragatham Kumaravel, the election is even more significant. A victory would mean returning to the Assembly after changing parties and successfully defending the constituency under a new political banner.
For Parandaman and the DMK, defeating Maragatham would provide a major political boost and demonstrate that TVK’s growing influence can still be challenged at the constituency level.
The polling is scheduled for October 6, 2026, with counting on October 9.
A Battle With Much More at Stake
Madurantakam is no longer just another by-election.
It is shaping up as a three-cornered contest involving TVK, DMK and AIADMK, with Maragatham Kumaravel at the centre of the political battle.
Vijay has entrusted the fight to a former AIADMK winner. Now, the question is whether the voters of Madurantakam will once again choose Maragatham — this time as Vijay’s TVK candidate.
The answer will come on October 9.
