Tamil NaduWednesday, 16 September 2026·Hindu Tamil Thisai
TN bypolls 2026: nomination deadline, poll dates and EC campaign restrictions for Madurantakam and Dharapuram
Madurantakam and Dharapuram bypoll nominations close on 16 September 2026, with polling on 6 October and EC restrictions on exit and opinion polls.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In September 2026, the Election Commission set 6 October 2026 as the polling date for the Madurantakam (Reserved) and Dharapuram (Reserved) by-elections in Tamil Nadu, while nomination filing closed on 16 September 2026.
Key specifics
- Nomination filing began on 9 September 2026 and ended on 16 September 2026 for both constituencies.
- Madurantakam had 13 candidates filed nominations by the report date, including Maragatham Kumaravel (TVK), Paranthaman (DMK) and Janakiraman (Naam Tamilar).
- Dharapuram had 17 candidates file nominations, and DMK candidate Suganya filed before Returning Officer Felix Raja.
- Polling is scheduled on 6 October 2026 from 7:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the two constituencies.
- The EC banned publication of exit polls and related election news in electronic media during the 48 hours before polling ends.
Exam lens
Question type: election law and bypoll facts, Madurantakam and Dharapuram, 6 October 2026 polling, 16 September nomination deadline, 48-hour media restriction; TNPSC may ask which constituency is reserved or what the EC prohibits before polling.