Erode (East) bypoll 2025 | DMK cadre upbeat over decision to contest

The ruling DMK’s decision to field its own candidate in the Erode (East) Assembly by-poll has sparked enthusiasm among party cadre, who had previously been campaigning for Congress candidates in the last two elections.

Following the announcement of the by-poll schedule on January 7, many DMK functionaries expressed interest in contesting the election, even though the 2026 Assembly elections in the state are only 10 months away. Initially, there was speculation that Congress would contest the seat, which disappointed many functionaries and supporters who viewed it as a missed opportunity to capitalize on voter enthusiasm for the DMK government’s accomplishments over the past four years. However, when news broke on Friday night that the DMK would field its own candidate, the morale among DMK supporters surged.

A DMK functionary noted that the party had worked for the victory of Congress candidates E. Thirumahan Everaa in the 2021 Assembly election and E.V.K.S. Elangovan in the 2023 by-election. “Our candidate, V.C. Chandhirakumar, is well-known among voters. Our goal is not just to win but to achieve a significant vote margin,” said the functionary, speaking anonymously.

Party cadre believes the government’s schemes have benefitted a majority of voters, simplifying voter outreach. “We are focusing on maximising turnout by engaging with voters who did not participate in the previous election,” said a cadre engaged in a door-to-door survey to identify such voters. Another cadre added that they were more motivated since the candidate represented their party. The party office for the byelection will be inaugurated on Perundurai Road on Sunday, where Mr. Chandhirakumar will be introduced in the presence of INDIA bloc functionaries.

Meanwhile, the Congress camp, disappointed at not being allotted the seat, remarked that they would have to wait until the 2026 Assembly election to serve the people.

In the 2023 byelection, Mr. Elangovan secured 64.58% votes while AIADMK’s K.S. Thennarasu secured 25.75%.

Published - January 11, 2025 05:55 pm IST