Left parties go solo in bypolls, but continue support for TVK government

The Communist Party of India (CPI) and Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) have decided to contest the upcoming by-elections independently, even as they continue to support the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led state government.

CPI state secretary M Veerapandian said the decision followed consultations with party cadres and discussions between the two Left parties. The CPI will field its candidate in Dharapuram, while the CPM will contest in Madurantakam.

Veerapandian said the Left parties have not been part of an electoral alliance since the 2026 Assembly elections and therefore chose to go it alone in the bypolls.

The separate electoral strategy comes alongside their continued political support for the TVK government. Veerapandian said that support was intended to prevent what the Left parties describe as fascist forces from gaining ground. He also urged the TVK government to remain committed to secular principles.