Chennai, August 23, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has indicated that his government could make public documents relating to alleged corruption under the previous government as the ruling TVK prepares for byelections in seven Assembly constituencies.
The seven vacant seats are Tiruchi East, Perundurai, Madurantakam, Dharapuram, Ambasamudram, Karur and Viralimalai. Byelections have not yet been held in Tiruchi East, Karur, Viralimalai, Perundurai and Ambasamudram because election petitions challenging the results remain pending.
The Madras High Court’s stay on byelections in the five constituencies is expected to expire on August 24, after which the Election Commission is likely to begin the process for elections in all seven seats.
The bypolls are politically significant for the TVK government, which emerged as the single largest party after the recent Assembly election but fell short of a majority. TVK won 107 of the 234 seats, 11 short of the 118 required for a simple majority.
The government was formed with support from the Congress, which has five MLAs, along with two legislators each from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Nadu Party, CPI, CPI(M) and the Indian Union Muslim League. Congress and two other allies are represented in the Cabinet and are not currently expected to withdraw support. However, any differences with the two Communist parties over public issues could put pressure on the government.
Winning all seven vacant seats would take the TVK’s strength to 114, leaving it four short of a majority. Continued backing from Congress or smaller allies would then provide the government with a stable majority.
Vijay indicated that corruption-related disclosures could form part of the government’s political strategy during the Assembly session on August 19. The Opposition had demanded documentary evidence for allegations made by Ministers.
Responding to the demand, Vijay said his government had evidence relating to several sectors and that the relevant files were with him.
“I did not want to say this, but they are asking for evidence. Everything is on my table with proof,” he said.
The Chief Minister added that the files would be opened “at the appropriate time”, while hinting that the disclosures could have a bearing on the forthcoming byelections.
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