Dharapuram Bypoll Turns Contentious as Candidates Trade Accusations

Allegations of doctored footage and claims of illicit cash distributions defined the Dharapuram Assembly by-election as voters headed to the polls Tuesday. While AIADMK candidate Bhanumathi touted her party's path to victory, TVK’s P Sathyabama faced a viral video controversy she insists is a calculated attempt to derail her campaign.

Editorial·October 6, 2026·reads: 2,883

Dharapuram Bypoll Turns Contentious as Candidates Trade Accusations

Bhanumathi praised the Election Commission’s polling arrangements, noting a strong turnout in rural areas. She also addressed reports of money and gifts being distributed, confirming that her team alerted flying squads to investigate. Regarding a viral video alleging the TVK spent Rs 35 crore on the race, the AIADMK candidate remained noncommittal, though she projected total confidence in a landslide win for her party’s Two Leaves symbol.

Sathyabama countered that the video circulating online was distorted and misrepresented to damage her standing. She dismissed the allegations as proof of her momentum, asserting that she is on track to secure one lakh votes. The Dharapuram contest, triggered by the resignation of P. Sathyabama, features a crowded field including the DMK’s Suganya, CPI’s Lakshmanan, and NTK’s Karthika, alongside the AIADMK and TVK hopefuls.