TN: Election flying squads intensify vehicle checks ahead of Oct 6 Madurantakam bypoll
Chennai: Election flying squad personnel have intensified vehicle inspections across the Madurantakam Assembly constituency in Tamil Nadu’s Chengalpattu district ahead of the October 6 bypoll.
During the checks, officials removed political party flags displayed on several cars before allowing the vehicles to proceed.
The model code of conduct came into force immediately after the bypoll schedule was announced.
Election authorities and local body personnel have since begun removing posters, banners, wall advertisements, party flags and flagpoles installed in public places across the constituency. Flying squads have also strengthened surveillance to prevent attempts to influence voters through the distribution of cash, gifts, liquor or other inducements.
Cars, vans and other vehicles entering the Madurantakam constituency are being stopped at strategic points and thoroughly inspected for unaccounted money, gift articles and campaign materials that could violate election regulations.
During one such inspection, officials noticed political flags fixed to cars and ordered their immediate removal. The vehicles were permitted to continue towards Madurantakam only after the flags had been taken down.
Officials said round-the-clock checks and field surveillance would continue throughout the constituency to ensure strict compliance with the code of conduct.
The Madurantakam bypoll is among the first major electoral tests for Tamil Nadu after the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, led by actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay swept to power in the recent Assembly election, defeating the then DMK government headed by M.K. Stalin.
The result brought a dramatic change in the state’s political landscape and established TVK as the ruling party.
The DMK’s setback was compounded by Stalin’s defeat in Kolathur, the constituency he had represented and regarded as his political stronghold. His loss became one of the most significant outcomes of the election and intensified debate within the party over its future strategy.
Against this backdrop, the Madurantakam contest is expected to be closely watched as an early indicator of whether TVK can retain its electoral momentum and whether the opposition parties can recover lost ground.
Political parties are preparing for an energetic campaign, while election officials are focusing on maintaining a level playing field.
Authorities have urged candidates, party workers and vehicle owners to observe all campaign restrictions. Any seizure of unaccounted cash or prohibited material will be documented and dealt with under the election law during the campaign.