K.G. Arunraj. File
| Photo Credit: M. Srinath
Minister for Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare K.G. Arunraj on Saturday (October 10, 2026) described the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s (TVK)victories in the Dharapuram and Madurantakam Assembly byelections as a verdict on four months of good governance, and said more victories would follow.
Speaking to reporters after performing rituals for his ancestors in the Cauvery at Bhavani Kooduthurai on the occasion of Purattasi Mahalaya Amavasya, he said the TVK had won without distributing money or restricting voters, relying instead on the government’s achievements. He accused the DMK and the AIADMK of spreading false propaganda against the party.
Responding to DMK president M.K. Stalin’s description of the byelection results as “an interim victory for betrayal”, Mr. Arunraj said the people knew who had betrayed them. Rejecting the suggestion that the victory in Dharapuram was by a narrow margin, he claimed that the TVK had won without distributing money. He accused AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami of betraying his party and claimed that AIADMK cadres had accepted the leadership of TVK president C. Joseph Vijay.
‘Dengue situation under control’
On dengue prevention, Mr. Arunraj said the situation was under control and there was no need for public apprehension. Adequate personnel had been deployed for mosquito-control operations, and facilities were available to treat patients who developed fever, he said.
On preparations for the Northeast monsoon, he alleged that the previous regime had claimed that 80% to 95% of stormwater drain works had been completed, but that the reality was different. The present government had taken up the works, and the Chief Minister had held three review meetings. He said the works were expected to be completed by the end of October, ahead of the monsoon.
‘Health workers should’ve submitted demands to govt.’
On the protest by mid-level health workers, Mr. Arunraj said they should have submitted their demands to him or the Health Department Secretary before resorting to agitation. He alleged that former DMK Minister Mano Thangaraj’s insistence on participating in the negotiations had delayed the talks. The workers had submitted a 21-point charter of demands, and the government had invited them for another round of discussions. Their demands would be resolved amicably, he said.
Published – October 10, 2026 12:16 pm IST
