DMK’s Electoral Base Remains Intact After Losing Madurantakam and Dharapuram

The twin by‑elections in Tamil Nadu’s Madurantakam and Dharapuram constituencies concluded with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) coming in second place behind the TVK candidates. Despite the setbacks, the party reported that its vote share suffered only marginal declines.

Madurantakam’s DMK nominee secured 29.15% of the votes, a reduction of roughly one percentage point from the 30.18% achieved in the 2021 state election. In Dharapuram, the share fell to 31.78% from 32.20%.

These numbers indicate that the DMK’s core electorate has largely stayed with the party, even as its traditional coalition partners—Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, MDMK, CPI(M), CPI, and the Indian Union Muslim League—have pulled out of the alliance.

The by‑polls featured five parties, with the main battle among TVK, DMK and the AIADMK‑led front. Smaller parties like Manithaneya Jananayaga Katchi and Manithaneya Makkal Katchi were left to shoulder the DMK’s efforts.

Speaking to the press, DMK leader M.K. Stalin called the result a "win within a loss," stressing that the party’s vote base is stable despite the ruling party’s victories.

The outcome raises questions about the DMK’s coalition strategy as Tamil Nadu gears up for the next general election.