Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and TVK president C. Joseph Vijay will address a major public meeting in Madurantakam today, September 28. The rally, at a 10-acre site near the Vajragiri Hills in Acharapakkam, is the centrepiece of the TVK's campaign for the October 6 Assembly bypoll, according to news agency reports.

The bypoll, in the SC-reserved constituency of Madurantakam, follows the resignation of AIADMK MLA Maragatham Kumaravel, who joined the TVK. She is now the TVK's candidate on the party's whistle symbol. The DMK has fielded I. Paranthaman and the AIADMK S. Kanitha Sampath.

AIADMK chief Edappadi Palaniswami campaigned in the constituency on September 25 and 26, while DMK president M.K. Stalin is also expected to canvass. The Madras High Court has dismissed a plea seeking a stay on the October 6 polls, with counting set for October 9.

The contest, with the ruling party, DMK and AIADMK all fielding nominees, is being seen as a key test of strength ahead of future state polls.