TVK Heads For Wins In TN Bypolls, AINRC Retains Puducherry Seat

Tamil Nadu's ruling on Friday TVK appeared all set to win the bypolls to Madurantakam and Dharapuram Assembly constituencies as the margin between the Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay-led party and its nearest rival DMK continued to widen counting of votes progressed towards completion.

While the fortunes of TVK nominee in Dharapuram P Sathyabama initially witnessed a see-saw battle with the AIADMK surging to the first place following a number of rounds, subsequently she established a clear lead and towards the close of 20th round she was leading



by 10,003 votes.

In Madurantakam, TVK candidate Maragatham Kumaravel maintained a steady lead from the beginning and by 12th round it was well over 13,000 votes. DMK nominee I Paranthamen continued to be at the second spot and the AIADMK candidate S Kanitha Sampath third. 

As the initial trend favouring the TVK sustained, it appears that the Opposition allegations of horse-trading and betrayal has not cut ice with the voters. The CPI(M), which is supporting the government from outside had also made similar allegations.