Stalin calls TVK bypoll wins ‘interim victory for betrayal’, accuses Vijay of misusing power

DMK president and former Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin on Friday described the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam's (TVK) victories in the Madurantakam and Dharapuram Assembly by-elections as an "interim victory for betrayal", accusing Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay of relying on defections, government machinery and financial inducements to secure the results.

Reacting to the outcome, Stalin alleged that the by-elections had been unnecessarily imposed on voters barely five months after the Assembly elections because two legislators elected on AIADMK tickets resigned from their seats and joined the ruling TVK.

In a social media post, he described the defections as a "blatant murder of democracy" and maintained that the electoral outcome did not reflect an endorsement of the government's performance.

Stalin targets defections

The DMK chief alleged that TVK had fielded the same legislators who switched parties after winning their seats on AIADMK tickets, turning the by-elections into a contest influenced by political defections rather than governance.

He accused the ruling party of deploying state power, financial resources, administrative machinery and police personnel to secure an electoral advantage.

Stalin also thanked voters who supported candidates of the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance and expressed appreciation for party workers, alliance leaders and functionaries who campaigned across both constituencies.

Vijay's campaign criticised

Stalin accused Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay of relying on cinematic popularity and what he described as "reels-style politics" to influence voters.

He claimed that Vijay, who became chief minister despite his party lacking an outright majority, had expected his public image to secure an easy victory.

The DMK president referred to Vijay's four-day campaign in the two constituencies, during which the chief minister was seen drinking tea, driving tractors and picking drumsticks. Stalin characterised these activities as publicity exercises rather than evidence of effective governance.

He argued that Vijay's extensive campaigning demonstrated the limitations of an image-driven political strategy and asserted that public expectations of the government were beginning to change.

Allegations of poll violations

Stalin further accused the TVK government of violating the Model Code of Conduct by announcing welfare measures after the by-election schedule was declared.

He cited proposals to expand free bus travel for women and provide gold rings to newborns, alleging that these announcements were intended to influence voters.

The DMK leader also alleged that money was distributed through UPI transactions and that gift items were offered to voters. Referring to a purported campaign video circulated before polling, he claimed that a TVK candidate had acknowledged substantial election expenditure.

He further alleged that the ruling party pressured voters by suggesting their constituencies would be denied development if TVK candidates were defeated.

These allegations were made by Stalin and have not been independently established.

Opposition support intact, claims Stalin

Despite the defeats, Stalin maintained that the DMK's support base remained intact and argued that the combined votes secured by parties opposing TVK demonstrated substantial dissatisfaction with the government.

He claimed that Vijay had concentrated his campaign attacks on the DMK but had failed to weaken its political influence.

Stalin urged the ruling party to abandon what he described as political horse-trading, vindictive practices and publicity-driven governance, and instead concentrate on public welfare.

Meanwhile, Vijay welcomed the results, attributing his party's victories to public rejection of criticism from the DMK and AIADMK.

TVK candidates Maragatham Kumaravel and P Sathyabama won Madurantakam and Dharapuram, respectively. The victories took the ruling party's strength to 109 members in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly.

Stalin said the DMK would continue its political campaign against the government and work to protect the interests of Tamil Nadu's people.