Chennai, Sep 15 (IANS) DMK candidates Sukanya and Paranthaman filed their nomination papers on Tuesday for the October 6 Assembly by-elections in Dharapuram and Madurantakam, respectively, as campaigning gathered momentum in the two constituencies.

In Dharapuram, Sukanya submitted her papers to Returning Officer Felix Raj. DMK deputy general secretary M.P. Saminathan, former minister Kayalvizhi Selvaraj and district secretary L. Padmanabhan accompanied her during the filing process.

The Dharapuram contest is shaping up as a multi-cornered battle.

Sathyabama is contesting on behalf of the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), while Bhanumathi has been fielded by the AIADMK. Karthika will represent the Naam Tamilar Katchi. The Communist Party is expected to announce its candidate on Tuesday, setting the stage for a five-way contest.

With the major parties entering the field, campaign activity has intensified across the reserved constituency. Party workers have begun organising meetings, door-to-door canvassing and booth-level mobilisation ahead of polling.

In Madurantakam, DMK candidate Paranthaman arrived at the Revenue Divisional Office, accompanied by a large group of party functionaries and supporters. Former Minister T.M. Anbarasan and other senior DMK office-bearers were also present.

The by-elections became necessary after the AIADMK legislators representing the two constituencies resigned from the Assembly and crossed over to Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s TVK.

K. Maragatham Kumaravel, who represented Madurantakam, and P. Sathyabama, the Dharapuram legislator, subsequently joined the ruling party, leaving both seats vacant. Their resignations have turned the bypolls into a political test for the principal parties.

The TVK is seeking to demonstrate that the defections have local support, while the AIADMK is attempting to retain constituencies it won in the 2026 Assembly election.

The DMK, meanwhile, is looking to capitalise on the split in opposition votes and improve its position in the Assembly.

For Dharapuram, Sathyabama’s decision to contest under the TVK banner adds particular significance, as she will face voters only months after winning the seat as an AIADMK candidate.

The opposition party has described Dharapuram and Madurantakam as traditional strongholds and has expressed confidence in recapturing both.

Nominations and campaign strategy are being closely watched because the results could influence momentum ahead of future contests.

Polling will take place on October 6, and votes will be counted on October 9.

–IANS

aal/dpb