Leaders of the parties in the ruling alliance have welcomed the TVK’s victories in the Madurantakam and Dharapuram Assembly byelections, contending that the results were an endorsement of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and the government’s stand on coalition politics.
VCK president Thol. Thirumavalavan said the victories of TVK candidates Maragatham Kumaravel and P. Sathyabama in the two constituencies reflected public recognition of the Secular Social Justice Victory Alliance. He said the results also indicated that voters had endorsed Mr. Vijay’s position in favour of a coalition government.
Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president B. Manickam Tagore said the results reflected public support for the Vijay-led government. Claiming no cash was distributed to voters during the by-elections, he called it a welcome departure from the usual practice in Tamil Nadu elections.
Higher Education Minister P. Viswanathan (Congress) said the victory in both constituencies reflected the people’s recognition of the TVK-led government’s performance. He expressed confidence that the party would continue to build on the electoral success.
MDMK general secretary Vaiko also congratulated Ms. Kumaravel and Ms. Sathyabama on their victories. He added that voters in both constituencies had expressed confidence in the Vijay-led government and thanked the electorate.
Speaking to reporters in Tiruchi, IUML president K.M. Kader Mohideen said the bypoll win was an endorsement of the TVK’s good governance. The byelection victory was a people’s reward for his clean government and the people’s centric welfare schemes, he added.
