DMK Leads in Vikravandi Bypoll, a Litmus Test After Recent Controversies

DMK Leads in Vikravandi Bypoll, a Litmus Test After Recent Controversies

The ruling DMK appears to be on track for victory in the Vikravandi assembly bypoll, with its candidate Anniyur Siva holding a significant lead over his rival, PMK's C Anbumani. As of 1:00 pm, Siva was ahead by a margin of 39,435 votes.

This by-election was crucial for the DMK, which has faced criticism over law-and-order issues in recent months. The Kallakurichi hooch tragedy, where 65 people died after consuming spurious liquor, and the murder of BSP state chief Armstrong, had cast a shadow over the party's image.

The Vikravandi constituency is one of the 234 assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu. It is a general category seat located in the Viluppuram district. The constituency has a majority of rural voters, with approximately 95.76% of the electorate residing in rural areas.

The 2021 assembly elections saw a total electorate of 234,841 voters in Vikravandi, with a voter turnout of 82.53%. In the current bypoll, the turnout was slightly lower at 82.48%.

The DMK's victory in Vikravandi would be seen as a positive sign for the party, indicating that it has managed to retain the trust of the electorate despite recent challenges. However, the PMK's strong performance also suggests that the opposition remains a formidable force in Tamil Nadu politics.