DMK Wins Vikravandi Bypoll, Passing Litmus Test
The ruling DMK party in Tamil Nadu has emerged victorious in the Vikravandi assembly bypoll, with its candidate Anniyur Siva leading by a significant margin. This win serves as a crucial test for the DMK government, which has faced criticism over recent events.
The bypoll was necessitated by the death of the previous MLA, N Pugazhenthi. A total of 29 candidates contested the election, with the main fight being between DMK's Siva and PMK's C Anbumani. The AIADMK boycotted the election, citing concerns over fairness under the DMK government.
As of 1:00 pm, Siva was leading with a margin of 39,435 votes over Anbumani. DMK chief and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin was seen celebrating the victory with party workers in Chennai.
This bypoll was significant for the DMK as it faced criticism over law-and-order issues following the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy and the murder of BSP state chief Armstrong. The win in Vikravandi provides some relief to the party and strengthens its position in the state.
Vikravandi assembly constituency is located in the Viluppuram district and has a majority of rural voters. In the 2021 assembly elections, Pugazhenthi N of DMK defeated Muthamilselvan R of ADMK by a margin of 9,573 votes. The voter turnout in the bypoll was slightly lower than the 2021 assembly elections, at 82.48%.