CHENNAI: The high-voltage election campaign for the crucial by-elections to the Madurantakam and Dharapuram Assembly constituencies drew to a close at 6:00 PM on Sunday, October 4. Polling across both assembly segments will take place on Tuesday, October 6, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, followed by the counting of votes on Friday, October 9.
Silence Period in Force; EC Orders Outsiders Out
With the 48-hour pre-poll silence period coming into effect under statutory election guidelines, district election authorities have enforced strict compliance measures:
- Mandatory Exit of Outside Cadres: All political functionaries, election agents, and party workers brought from outside who are not registered voters of Madurantakam or Dharapuram have been instructed to leave the constituency limits immediately after 6:00 PM on Sunday.
- Inspection of Lodges and Halls: Flying squads and local police teams have initiated thorough inspections across kalyana mandapams (marriage halls), community centers, hotels, lodges, and guest houses to ensure no unauthorized outsiders or political workers remain accommodated in the segments.
- Vehicle Permits Invalidated: Special vehicle permits issued to candidates, political party functionaries, and star campaigners ceased to be valid from 6:00 PM on October 4. Border checkposts have stepped up 24-hour vehicle screening to block any movement of illicit cash, liquor, or gifts.
Polling Day Transport Regulations
The election department has notified strict transport limitations for each contesting candidate on polling day (October 6):
- One vehicle for the personal use of the candidate.
- One vehicle for the election agent covering the respective Assembly constituency.
- One additional vehicle for the use of the candidate's election agent or campaign workers.
Official permits for these permitted vehicles will be issued directly by the respective Returning Officers, and unauthorized vehicles plying inside constituency limits will face immediate impoundment.
High Stakes for Oct 6 Polling
The by-elections in Madurantakam (Chengalpattu district) and Dharapuram (Tiruppur district) represent a high-stakes test of strength between the ruling TVK, DMK, and AIADMK alliances. With the public campaign officially concluded, administrative machinery and security forces have taken position at all designated polling booths to ensure smooth and peaceful voting on October 6.
