Tamil Nadu election 2026: TVK out of poll race in Edappadi constituency after rejection of nominations

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which fielded candidates in all the 234 constituencies of Tamil Nadu, is out of the race in the high-profile Edappadi Assembly constituency as the nomination of its candidate M. Arunkumar and the substitute candidate were rejected during scrutiny on Tuesday (April 7, 2026). Former Chief Minister and AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami has entered the fray from the constituency, which is his home turf.

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When scrutiny began at the Edappadi Taluk office in the presence of returning officer Natarajan, the AIADMK representatives opposed to Mr. Arunkumar’s nomination, citing discrepancies in it. They also pointed out to discrepancies in the nomination papers filed by his wife and dummy candidate A. Nithya. Following this, Mr. Arunkumar, who was at the taluk office, left the office saying he shall produce additional documents later. 

But, he did not return to the office and subsequently his mobile phone was reportedly switched off. Following this, the TVK cadres gathered before the Taluk office and alleged Mr. Arunkumar was missing and might have been abducted. 

Since he did not turn up, the Returning Officer announced Mr. Arunkumar and Ms Nithya’s nominations were rejected.

The issue in nomination papers

Officials attached to the election wing said 10 people should propose the candidate’s name and should sign in the nomination forms. But, only eight had proposed and signed for Mr. Arunkumar, and seven people had done in respect of Ms. Nithya’s nomination form. Hence, their nominations were rejected.

Earlier, TVK cadres were seen having a heated argument with lawyers and functionaries who had come with Mr. Arunkumar to the taluk office.

Consequently, the original four-corner fight in the constituency has turned into a three-corner fight between the AIADMK, DMK, and NTK.

The nominations of Mr. Palaniswami, DMK candidate C. Kasi and NTK candidate Priyadharshini were accepted.