MyVoice: Views of our readers 09th September 2026

Bypolls will indicate TVK’s status

Apropos “Vijay’s TVK faces its first electoral test in October” (THI, September 8), the party’s performance should be judged by the extent it offers a credible alternative to the established Dravidian parties. Tamil Nadu’s electorate is politically mature and unlikely to be swayed by one’s personality. TVK must explain its position on jobs, education, healthcare and State rights, while showing how it would finance its promises.

Its decision to go it alone may help voters assess its independent strength. The ensuing by-elections should therefore be treated as an opportunity for the party to demonstrate organisational discipline and policy clarity. Popularity is a useful beginning, but governance requires a much broader foundation.

K Sakunthala, Coimbatore - 641 016

TVK should explain its policies

This pertains to “Vijay’s TVK faces its first electoral test in October” (THI, September 8). The bypolls will offer an early indication of how far the new party has moved beyond its initial popularity. The Election Commission must ensure that the contests are conducted impartially, particularly amid allegations of defections and political inducements.

TVK should explain its policies rather than rely solely on its leader’s appeal. Established parties must accept the verdict without treating every shift in allegiance as a threat to democracy. A fair campaign, transparent funding and issue-based debate would strengthen public confidence in the State’s Nadu’s electoral process.

A Myilsami, Sulur-641402

Vijay can get a feel of people’s concerns

Apropos “Vijay’s TVK faces its first electoral test in October” (THI, September 8), the most important question is what the new political contest means for ordinary voters. A fresh party can bring new expectations, but it must also show that it understands the practical concerns of families. Employment, rising living costs, public transport and the quality of government services deserve more attention than political speculation.

TVK should use the bypoll campaign to listen to residents and publish clear, achievable commitments. The established parties, meanwhile, should respond to criticism with better performance rather than personal attacks. Competition is valuable only when it gives voters more meaningful choices and improves the quality of governance.

B A Neboba, Perundurai-638052

TN needs stable and accountable govt

This refers to “Vijay’s TVK faces its first electoral test in October” (THI, September 8), which also highlights the risks of political instability caused by defections. Changing sides is not always wrong, but frequent shifts can weaken public trust when they appear motivated by office rather than principles.

Voters should also examine whether candidates have a record of public service and whether their stated policies remain consistent. TVK’s emergence may be healthy for democracy if it encourages competition, but the larger objective must be a stable and accountable government.

Pon Arun Kumar, Tirupur-641601

Bypoll verdicts not indicative of party’s standing

With reference to “Vijay’s TVK faces its first electoral test in October” (THI, September 8), the proposed bypolls may reveal the party’s organisational reach, but they cannot by themselves determine its prospects in the Assembly election. Bypolls are shaped by local issues, candidate selection and the circumstances of individual constituencies.

A strong performance would be encouraging, while a weak one would not necessarily indicate public rejection. TVK needs time to build a district-level organisation, identify capable candidates and establish a consistent policy position.

S M Jeeva, Chennai-32

TN leaders should refrain from permanent confrontation

Tamil Nadu’s politics is witnessing an increasingly bitter confrontation between the ruling TVK and opposition DMK. The recent Assembly disruptions, corruption allegations, law-and-order accusations, Parandur airport controversy and personal remarks have intensified the rivalry. Such confrontations risk shifting politics from governance to vendetta. The solution is not political appeasement but institutional restraint.

The Speaker must guarantee the Opposition a meaningful voice, while the government should answer allegations transparently rather than retaliate politically. Independent agencies should investigate corruption and criminal allegations without selective targeting. Tamil Nadu’s political transition should mature into constructive competition, not permanent confrontation. A bipartisan mechanism for resolving contentious issues can stabilise governance and demonstrate that democratic politics is ultimately about public welfare, not settling scores.

RS Narula, Patiala

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