Tamil Nadu bypolls: DMK urges Election Commission to cancel TVK’s list of star campaigners from other parties
The DMK party has filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India to block the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) from using leaders of other political parties as 'star campaigners'. The DMK argues this violates the Representation of the People Act, which restricts star campaigner status to a party's own members.
Why it matters
This dispute highlights ongoing tensions in Tamil Nadu politics and raises questions about the legal boundaries of election campaigning and alliance management.
DMK organisation secretary R.S. Bharathi on Monday (September 21, 2026) submitted a complaint to the Election Commission of India, urging it to immediately cancel the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s (TVK) list of star campaigners hailing from other political parties for the upcoming byelections to the Maduranthagam and Dharapuram Assembly constituencies . The DMK contended this was contrary to provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and the Model Code of Conduct.
The TVK has named Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president Manickam Tagore, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader Thol. Thirumavalavan, Minister Vanni Arasu (VCK), D. Ravikumar (VCK MP), senior VCK leader Sinthanai Selvan, Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) general secretary Vaiko, the party’s MP Durai Vaiko, and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader K.M. Kader Mohideen in its list of “star campaigners.”
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