Tamil Nadu’s Electricity Minister V. Senthilbalaji hailed the DMK’s victory in the Erode East bypoll as proof of the success of the Dravidian model government and the people’s rejection of forces that attempt to denigrate social reformer Periyar for political gains. He claimed that a strong pro-incumbency sentiment and widespread support for Chief Minister M.K. Stalin were evident across the state and would be reflected in the 2026 Assembly elections.Celebrating the bypoll victory on micro-blogging platform ‘X’ on Wednesday, Senthilbalaji credited the triumph to Stalin’s leadership and the inclusive governance of the DMK. “The recently concluded Erode East Assembly bypoll is a resounding victory for the tireless efforts of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, the Dravidian model government, and the people of Tamil Nadu who rejected cheap political elements attempting to denigrate Periyar for their politics,” he stated.
Taking a swipe at AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), Senthilbalaji accused him of repeatedly spreading falsehoods against the DMK government. “The Leader of Opposition, who has suffered consecutive electoral defeats and left his party in disarray, has made it a habit to mislead the public. Unable to face the people and lacking the courage to take on the DMK, EPS ran for cover and abstained from the bypoll,” he remarked.
The minister further asserted that even AIADMK voters had shifted their support to the DMK in the Erode East election due to Chief Minister Stalin’s inclusive approach. “The Chief Minister works not only for those who voted for him but also for those who did not. This has created a strong wave of support across Tamil Nadu. The pro-incumbency sentiment will echo in the 2026 Assembly elections as well,” Senthilbalaji added.