Polling day: Madurantakam recorded 83.86% and Dharapuram 78.53% by 5 PM, with later updates at 85.98% and 80.30%. Counting on 9 October.
Voters in Madurantakam (SC) and Dharapuram (SC) turned out in large numbers on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, in the first by-elections since the TVK government took office. By 5 PM, turnout stood at 83.86% in Madurantakam and 78.53% in Dharapuram, according to the Election Commission; later updates put it at 85.98% and 80.30%.
| Time | Madurantakam | Dharapuram |
|---|---|---|
| 9 AM | 15.99% | 17.55% |
| 11 AM | 35.55% | 37.28% |
| 1 PM | 55.19% | 56.09% |
| 5 PM | 83.86% | 78.53% |
| Latest update | 85.98% | 80.30% |
Figures are provisional and may be revised when the Election Commission publishes final turnout. Polling ran from 7 AM to 6 PM, with voters in queue at closing time allowed to vote, at 285 polling stations in Madurantakam and 320 in Dharapuram (News Today, ETV Bharat, The South First).
In the April 23 general election, turnout was 93.36% in Madurantakam and 89.96% in Dharapuram. By-elections usually draw fewer voters than general elections; even so, both seats recorded high participation.
TVK fielded the two former MLAs who resigned from the AIADMK and joined the party — K. Maragatham Kumaravel in Madurantakam and P. Sathyabama in Dharapuram. The DMK and AIADMK contested both seats, and the CPI(M) and CPI, which support the government, fielded their own candidates.
| Date | Stage |
|---|---|
| 6 Oct | Polling completed; EVMs sealed and moved to strong rooms |
| 7–8 Oct | EVMs under security |
| 9 Oct | Counting from 8 AM, with Puducherry’s Thattanchavady seat — follow live results |
Sources: Election Commission figures via News Today; ETV Bharat live updates; The South First. Final turnout may be revised.
By-Election Polling Day Day 149