TVK Allocates Rajya Sabha Seat to Congress Ahead of Tamil Nadu By-Election

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has announced that the vacant Rajya Sabha seat from Tamil Nadu will be allotted to its alliance partner, the Indian National Congress, for the upcoming by-election scheduled on June 18, 2026.

The vacancy arose after C.V. Shanmugam resigned from his Rajya Sabha membership on May 7, 2026, following his election as an MLA from the Mailam Assembly constituency in Villupuram district.

In an official statement, TVK President Vijay confirmed that the Rajya Sabha seat has been allocated to the Congress party, which is a key constituent of the TVK-led alliance in Tamil Nadu. The decision comes after discussions between Congress leaders and the alliance leadership regarding the vacant seat.

The Election Commission has announced that nominations for the Rajya Sabha by-election can be filed until June 8, while scrutiny of nominations will take place on June 9. The last date for withdrawal of nominations is June 11. If required, polling will be held on June 18, and the results will be declared on the same day.

Political observers view the move as a significant step in strengthening the alliance between TVK and Congress. The Congress party is expected to announce its candidate for the Rajya Sabha seat in the coming days.

The upcoming election is likely to witness keen political interest as parties finalize their candidates for the lone vacant Rajya Sabha seat from Tamil Nadu.