Tamil Nadu Bypolls: TVK Leads in Dharapuram Amid Counting
Vote counting for bypolls across Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Puducherry reveals early advantages for TVK and AINRC candidates.
TVK candidate P. Sathyabama leads in Dharapuram with 18,690 votes.
AINRC's Ashok Anand shows a significant lead in Puducherry's Thattanchavady.
BJP's Devashish Sharma extends his lead in Assam's Nagaon Lok Sabha constituency.
The counting of votes for bypolls across five Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Puducherry commenced on October 9, 2026. In Tamil Nadu, the counting is being conducted under a three-tier security system, particularly in the constituencies of Madurantakam and Dharapuram. These bypolls are crucial as they follow the recent rise of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) to power in May, marking a significant test of its popularity against the opposition AIADMK, which aims to reclaim lost seats from the April Assembly elections.
In Dharapuram, early results indicate that TVK's P. Sathyabama is leading with 18,690 votes, followed by AIADMK's K. Bhanumathi with 17,773 votes and DMK's S. Suganya at 15,988 votes. The counting process has seen several rounds, with the AIADMK trailing in the initial stages but showing signs of a close contest as the rounds progressed. Meanwhile, in Madurantakam, TVK's Maragatham Kumaravel is also leading, showcasing the party's stronghold in these regions.
In Puducherry, AINRC candidate Ashok Anand is leading the Thattanchavady bypoll with a substantial margin of 13,358 votes over Congress's E. Vinayagam. This lead is significant as it reflects the backing of both BJP and AIADMK for the AINRC, indicating a strong alliance in the Union Territory. The counting in Puducherry is also being closely monitored, as it could influence future political dynamics in the region.
In Assam, BJP candidate Devashish Sharma is extending his lead in the Nagaon Lok Sabha constituency, currently ahead by over 59,127 votes against AIUDF's Mohammed Badruddin Ajmal. This bypoll is particularly notable as it follows the resignation of the previous Congress representative, adding to the stakes for the BJP in the region. The counting here is also expected to reveal voter sentiments following the recent political shifts in the state.
As the counting continues, the implications of these results could be far-reaching, impacting the political landscape in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Assam. The outcomes will not only reflect the current voter sentiment but also set the stage for future electoral strategies for the parties involved. Further updates are anticipated as the counting progresses throughout the day.
