Tamil Nadu by-polls 2026–2031: the 7 vacant seats

Six were left by AIADMK MLAs who resigned and joined the ruling TVK in May, June and July 2026. One, Tiruchirappalli East, was given up by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, who won both Perambur and Tiruchirappalli East in April 2026 and kept Perambur.

As reported on 26 September 2026

The Madras High Court has barred the Election Commission from calling by-elections in the other five seats while it hears a public-interest case. Madurantakam and Dharapuram had no election petition pending against their April results, so the Commission scheduled them.

• On 10 July 2026 the High Court's First Bench — Chief Justice S. A. Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arul Murugan — restrained the Election Commission from issuing a by-election notification for Tiruchirappalli East, Karur, Viralimalai, Perundurai and Ambasamudram. The order came on a public-interest petition by advocate K. Venkatachalapathy, who argued that election petitions against the April winners were still pending, so a by-election could leave two people with a claim to one seat.
• The court has extended the order three times, on 31 July, 24 August and 8 September. On 24 August the Election Commission told the court it did not propose to hold by-elections in the five seats until the election petitions are decided. Chief Minister Vijay, and two of the former MLAs, have asked the court to lift the bar.
• On 24 September the High Court refused a separate plea to stop the Madurantakam and Dharapuram by-elections.

• 10 May 2026C. Joseph Vijay, elected from both Perambur and Tiruchirappalli East, is sworn in as Chief Minister and gives up Tiruchirappalli East.
• 25 May 2026Three AIADMK MLAs — K. Maragatham Kumaravel (Madurantakam), P. Sathyabama (Dharapuram) and S. Jayakumar (Perundurai) — resign and join TVK.
• 26 May 2026Dr. Esakki Subaya (Ambasamudram) resigns. The Assembly Secretariat informs the Election Commission of four vacancies.
• 27 May 2026AIADMK factions reconcile; both Schedule X petitions are withdrawn.
• 16 June 2026Dr. C. Vijayabaskar (Viralimalai) resigns; AIADMK strength falls to 42.
• 29 June 2026M. R. Vijayabhaskar (Karur) resigns — the sixth AIADMK MLA to go; strength 41.
• 2 July 2026C. Vijayabaskar and M. R. Vijayabhaskar join TVK.
• 10 July 2026The Madras High Court bars the Election Commission from notifying by-elections in the other five vacant seats while election petitions are pending.
• 8 September 2026The High Court extends the bar to 28 September, the date of the final hearing; the Perundurai election petition is dismissed the same day.
• 9 September 2026ECI notification for by-elections in Madurantakam (SC) and Dharapuram (SC); nominations open.
• 10 September 2026TVK fields both former AIADMK MLAs; DMK and AIADMK name their candidates.
• 18 September 2026Withdrawals close: 27 candidates in Madurantakam, 22 in Dharapuram.
• 6 October 2026Polling.
• 9 October 2026Counting.

How many seats are vacant in the Tamil Nadu Assembly?

Seven seats fell vacant after the April 2026 election: Madurantakam, Dharapuram, Perundurai, Karur, Tiruchirappalli East, Viralimalai and Ambasamudram.

Which Tamil Nadu by-elections are on 6 October 2026?

Madurantakam (AC 35, Chengalpattu district) and Dharapuram (AC 101, Tiruppur district), both reserved for Scheduled Castes. Counting is on 9 October 2026.

Why are the other five seats not voting?

The Madras High Court has barred the Election Commission from calling by-elections in the other five seats while it hears a public-interest case, since 10 July 2026 (extended on 8 September 2026). Madurantakam and Dharapuram had no election petition pending against their April results.

When is a vacant seat filled?

The Election Commission must hold a by-election within six months of a vacancy unless the remaining term of the Assembly is less than a year or there are other constraints. The by-election winner serves the rest of the Assembly's term, up to 2031.

Where can I follow the results?

On the by-election results page, which is checked against the Election Commission every minute on counting day, 9 October 2026.