Leaders in the Tamil Nadu by-elections 2026: Vijay, Stalin, EPS, Udhayanidhi, Seeman
The leaders who campaigned in the October 2026 Tamil Nadu by-elections and how their parties' candidates are doing in Madurantakam and Dharapuram.
| Leader | Party | Role | In this campaign |
|---|---|---|---|
| C. Joseph Vijay | TVK | Chief Minister, TVK president | First electoral test as CM. Four-day campaign, 30+ village roadshow in Madurantakam on 2 Oct. |
| M.K. Stalin | DMK | DMK president, former CM | Lost Kolathur in April by 9,122 votes. Opened DMK's bypoll campaign at Dharapuram. |
| Edappadi K. Palaniswami | ADMK | AIADMK general secretary, former CM | Lost six MLAs to TVK. 'Only victory counts.' Roadshow in Dharapuram. |
| Udhayanidhi Stalin | DMK | Leader of the Opposition | Won Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni by 7,140. Campaigned in both seats with Kanimozhi. |
| Seeman | NTK | Naam Tamilar Katchi chief | Campaigned in both seats. |
| K.A. Sengottaiyan | TVK | Minister, TVK chief coordinator | Ex-AIADMK Kongu leader, joined TVK in Nov 2025. |