CM Stalin Supports DMK's Bid for Erode East Bypolls, Expected to Claim Seat from Congress
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Chennai, Dec 22 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India has declared the Erode East Assembly seat vacant following the passing of esteemed Congress leader E.V.K.S Elangovan, leading political parties to initiate their preparations for the by-election.
Sources from the DMK indicate that party president and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin recently visited Erode district on December 19 and 20 to consult with senior party officials regarding the candidate for the upcoming Erode East bypolls.
The late EVKS Elangovan had served as the MLA of Erode East after the untimely death of his son and former MLA Thirumagan Everaa, who passed away at the age of 46 from a heart attack.
According to DMK insiders, Erode South district secretary and Tamil Nadu Minister S. Muthusamy informed CM Stalin that there are no significant Congress leaders remaining in Erode to contest the seat following the Elangovan family.
Muthusamy also indicated to CM Stalin that the party's grassroots members are eager for the DMK to take control of the seat. During his visit on December 19, CM Stalin instructed party functionaries to fortify DMK's presence in constituencies considered weak in the district to ensure triumph in the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections.
On December 19, CM Stalin convened a meeting with senior DMK leaders, including key functionaries from the district. Attendance was limited to those possessing invitation letters dispatched from DMK headquarters.
During this meeting, CM Stalin assessed the DMK's performance in Erode in the 2021 Assembly election and urged party leaders to strive tirelessly to reclaim lost constituencies from AIADMK.
Particular constituencies like Perundurai, which the DMK failed to secure, and Anthiyur, won by a slim margin of 1,275 votes, were discussed.
The defeat of the DMK's ally CPI in the Bhavanisagar constituency was also a topic of conversation. Sources disclosed that CM Stalin directed functionaries to prioritize addressing public issues and enhancing the party's presence in weaker constituencies.
A special committee is set to be established to explore strategies for winning in Erode's vulnerable constituencies.
It is pertinent to note that the DMK has set an ambitious target of securing 200 out of 234 Assembly seats in the 2026 elections.
Currently, in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, the DMK holds 133 seats, supplemented by allies: Congress (18), VCK (4), CPI (2), and CPI(M) (2), totaling 159 seats.
The DMK-led alliance garnered a remarkable vote share of 45.38% in the last elections.
The DMK has already appointed full-time coordinators for each Assembly constituency, with senior figures, including Deputy Chief Minister and party youth wing leader Udhayanidhi Stalin and organizing secretary R.S. Bharathy, overseeing their activities.
