In a strategic political move, the DMK has named former CPI leader K. Sethu Selvam as its candidate for the upcoming Thattanchavady byelection. The decision follows a series of dramatic shifts in Selvam's political trajectory over the last five years.
- DMK officially announces K. Sethu Selvam as the candidate for the October 6 byelection in Thattanchavady.
- Sethu Selvam is a former CPI member who was expelled in 2025 due to financial impropriety allegations.
- The candidate previously challenged CM N. Rangasamy in 2021, securing 32% of the vote.
The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has officially entered the fray for the Thattanchavady Assembly constituency byelection in Puducherry. On Wednesday, September 9, 2026, the party declared K. Sethu Selvam as its official candidate for the polls scheduled for October 6. The announcement came shortly after Mr. Selvam held a high-level meeting with DMK President and former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin in Chennai.
The nomination of Sethu Selvam is seen as a calculated risk and a strategic play by the DMK to capitalize on Selvam's existing local influence. Selvam's political journey has been tumultuous; once a stalwart of the Communist Party of India (CPI), he was expelled from the party in 2025 following serious allegations of financial impropriety, which created a significant rift in the local left-wing coalition.
Historical Background and Electoral Performance
To understand the significance of this nomination, one must look at the electoral history of Thattanchavady. In the 2021 Assembly elections, Mr. Selvam contested as the CPI candidate and emerged as a formidable opponent to the Chief Minister and AINRC founder, N. Rangasamy. During that contest, Selvam secured approximately 32% of the total votes, establishing himself as a key player in the region.
However, the 2026 general polls told a different story. After his expulsion from the CPI, Selvam contested as an Independent candidate in April 2026. While his vote share dropped to around 17%, he still managed to secure third place, notably pushing the PCC chief and Member of Parliament V. Vaithilingam to the fourth position, demonstrating a resilient personal vote bank.
BozokMedia analysis shows that the DMK is attempting to consolidate the anti-incumbency vote and the fragmented left-leaning electorate in Puducherry. By absorbing a candidate who has already proven his ability to challenge the AINRC leadership, the DMK is positioning itself as the primary challenger in a constituency that has historically been a stronghold for the ruling powers.
The shift from CPI to Independent and now to DMK suggests a pragmatic realignment of political loyalties to ensure survival and relevance in Puducherry's volatile electoral landscape.
| Election Year | Party Affiliation | Vote Percentage | Result/Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | CPI | 32% | 2nd Place |
| 2026 (April) | Independent | 17% | 3rd Place |
| 2026 (Oct) | DMK | TBD | Candidate |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the DMK candidate for the Thattanchavady byelection?
The DMK has fielded K. Sethu Selvam, a former CPI member, for the byelection.
When is the byelection scheduled to take place?
The byelection for the Thattanchavady Assembly constituency is scheduled for October 6, 2026.
