The DMK's candidate from Tirupattur for the April 23 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections has moved the High Court challenging the election of TVK's R Srinivasa Sethupathi, who secured victory by a margin of just one vote. The petition, filed on May 10, 2026, alleges irregularities in the counting process and seeks a recount or annulment of the result.
Background of the Case
The Tirupattur constituency witnessed a closely contested battle between the DMK and the TVK. According to the Election Commission's final tally, TVK candidate R Srinivasa Sethupathi received 45,678 votes, while the DMK candidate got 45,677 votes, resulting in a razor-thin one-vote victory. The DMK candidate, whose name has not been disclosed, has questioned the accuracy of the count, citing discrepancies in postal ballots and electronic voting machines.
Legal Grounds for Challenge
The petition filed before the Madras High Court argues that the Returning Officer failed to properly verify the validity of certain votes. Specifically, the DMK claims that at least five postal ballots were wrongly rejected and that two EVMs showed technical glitches during the counting process. The petitioner has requested the court to order a recount under Section 100 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
- Postal Ballot Discrepancies: The DMK alleges that five postal ballots were rejected without proper scrutiny, potentially affecting the outcome.
- EVM Irregularities: Two electronic voting machines reportedly malfunctioned, leading to doubts about the recorded votes.
- Vote Verification: The party demands a thorough verification of all votes, including those from service voters.
Reactions and Implications
TVK leader R Srinivasa Sethupathi has dismissed the challenge, stating that the election was conducted fairly and that the one-vote victory reflects the will of the people. Political analysts note that this case highlights the importance of meticulous vote counting in close contests. The outcome of the petition could set a precedent for handling similar disputes in the future.
The Madras High Court is expected to hear the case in the coming weeks. If the court orders a recount, it could potentially alter the final result, affecting the balance of power in the Tamil Nadu Assembly.
