The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) has selected former MLA Kanitha Sampath for Madurantakam (SC) and K. Bhanumathi for Dharapuram (SC) in the upcoming October 6 byelections, following the resignations of the sitting MLAs. Both seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes, intensifying the electoral contest between AIADMK and ruling TVK.

  • AIADMK names Kanitha Sampath for Madurantakam and K. Bhanumathi for Dharapuram.
  • Both constituencies are SC‑reserved and were vacated after resignations by former MLAs.
  • TVK has also fielded candidates, setting the stage for a tight electoral showdown.

The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) announced on Thursday, September 10, 2026, its nominees for the October 6 byelections in Madurantakam (SC) and Dharapuram (SC) assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu. General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami revealed that former legislator Kanitha Sampath will contest from Madurantakam, while K. Bhanumathi will represent the party in Dharapuram.

Kanitha Sampath, a member of the AIADMK general council and joint secretary of its women’s wing, is stepping into a seat that has been a stronghold for the party. K. Bhanumathi, who has served as joint secretary of the Tiruppur suburban east district women’s wing and was a former 12th ward district panchayat council member, brings local grassroots experience to the campaign.

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The byelections are necessitated by the resignations of former AIADMK MLAs Maragatham Kumaravel (Madurantakam) and P. Sathyabama (Dharapuram) on May 25, shortly before they joined the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). Both women had won their seats under AIADMK’s ‘Two Leaves’ symbol in the April 23 assembly elections.

TVK has also nominated its own candidates for the same seats, creating a direct contest between the two parties. Maragatham and Sathyabama are set to contest again under the TVK banner in the upcoming byelections.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the outcome of these contests could reshape the political balance in Tamil Nadu. A win for AIADMK would reinforce its foothold in key SC‑reserved constituencies, while a victory for TVK would signal a shift in voter allegiance and bolster the ruling party’s mandate.

“These byelections will test AIADMK’s ability to retain its traditional support base while TVK attempts to expand its reach among SC voters.”
Did You Know?: Both Madurantakam and Dharapuram are SC‑reserved seats, meaning only candidates from Scheduled Castes can contest elections there.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will Maragatham Kumaravel and P. Sathyabama run again?

Yes, they have been fielded by TVK as their candidates for the October 6 byelections.

2. What is AIADMK’s strategy in these elections?

The party has positioned prominent women leaders from its women’s wing to strengthen its female voter base in these crucial constituencies.