DMK fields Sethu Selvam for Thattanchavady bypoll in Puducherry
The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has officially nominated K. Sethu Selvam as its candidate for the upcoming by-election in the Thattanchavady constituency of Puducherry. Selvam, a former CPI member who previously ran as an independent, aims to secure the seat in the October 6 vote.
Why it matters
This by-election is a significant test of political shifting alliances in Puducherry, involving a candidate with a history of party switching and electoral competition against incumbent leadership.
The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Wednesday (September 9, 2026) declared K. Sethu Selvam as the party candidate for the October 6 byelection at Thattanchavady Assembly constituency in Puducherry.
Mr. Selvam, a former member of the Communist Party of India (CPI), met former Chief Minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin on Wednesday at Chennai before his candidature was announced by the party.
As the CPI candidate in 2021 Assembly polls, Mr. Selvam had come second in Thattanchavady constituency fighting against Chief Minister and AINRC founder N. Rangasamy. He had garnered around 32% of votes in the 2021 election.
Following his expulsion from CPI in 2025 over allegations of financial impropriety, Mr. Selvam contested as an Independent from Thattanchavady during the April 2026 polls .
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