Chennai, August 21: Taking benefits from the boycott by the main opposition AIADMK, the DMK-led DPA today won all five assembly seats where by-polls were conducted in Tamil Nadu.
The alliance emerged as prominent gainer in the assembly by polls as it won all five seats- DMK-3, Cong-2.
The by elections were held in five assembly constituencies, including Cumbum, Burgur, Ilayankudi, Srivaikuntam and Thondamuthur.
DMK candidates emerged victorious on Cumbum, Burgur and Ilayankudi seats while Party’s principal ally Congress won Srivaikuntam and Thondamuthur assembly seats.
The DMK-led combine wrested Cumbum and Thondamuthur from MDMK, which along with PMK toed their alliance lead partner AIADMK’s boycott line. Burgur was held by AIADMK. DMK and Congress retained Illayankudi and Srivaikuntam respectively.
Claiming that by polls would not be “free and fair” with the DMK and Congress ruling at the state and Centre, besides citing “vulnerability of EVMs to tampering”, AIADMK, MDMK and PMK had boycotted the polls.
The fledgling DMDK failed to make any impressive show and had to be content with the runner-up position. In all five segments, BJP candidates also lost their deposits.
—Agencies