Introduction
Voting has officially begun for the Erode (East) Assembly by-election in Tamil Nadu, held to fill the vacancy left by the passing of Congress MLA E.V.K.S. Elangovan on December 14, 2024. The election has drawn attention due to the boycott by AIADMK and BJP, who have accused the ruling party of unfair electoral practices.
Why the Bypoll Was Needed
The bypoll was necessitated after the death of E.V.K.S. Elangovan, a senior Congress leader, who won the seat in the 2023 by-election. The Congress, an ally of the DMK-led ruling coalition, is determined to retain the seat, while opposition parties claim the election lacks transparency.
Major Political Developments
🔹 AIADMK and BJP Boycott:
Both AIADMK and BJP have chosen to stay away from the election, alleging that the ruling DMK and Congress coalition have compromised the fairness of the poll. They have accused the administration of using state machinery to influence voters.
🔹 Congress Seeks to Retain Its Stronghold:
Despite opposition criticism, the Congress party is confident of victory. They are relying on the support of DMK and other alliance partners to maintain their hold over Erode (East).
🔹 Key Contenders in the Bypoll:
With AIADMK and BJP absent, the contest is largely between Congress and independent candidates, including small regional parties trying to gain a foothold.
Security & Voter Turnout
🔸 Tightened Security:
Authorities have deployed heavy security personnel to prevent any disturbances during polling. Election Commission officials are closely monitoring polling stations to ensure smooth voting.
🔸 Voter Turnout Trends:
Initial reports suggest a steady turnout, with long queues seen in several polling booths. The final turnout percentage will determine whether the Congress maintains its dominance or faces unexpected resistance.
Reactions from Political Leaders
🗣️ Congress Candidate: “We are confident of winning again. The people of Erode trust us and will reject the baseless allegations of the opposition.”
🗣️ AIADMK Leader: “This election is a farce. The ruling party has created an unfair playing field. That’s why we have boycotted it.”
🗣️ BJP State President: “We believe in democracy, but when there is clear misuse of power, we will not legitimize a flawed election.”
What’s Next?
✅ Polling will continue till evening, after which the Election Commission will seal the EVMs.
✅ Counting of votes is scheduled for the coming days, with results expected shortly after.
✅ If Congress wins, it further solidifies their position in Tamil Nadu politics ahead of the 2026 state elections.
Conclusion
The Erode (East) bypoll is a crucial test for the ruling DMK-Congress alliance, even amid the AIADMK and BJP boycott. As voting progresses, all eyes are on the turnout and the final results, which could impact Tamil Nadu’s political landscape.
