Polling in all 234 Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu concluded at 6 pm on Thursday, recording a turnout of 84.51 per cent. Voters who arrived at polling stations before the deadline were allowed to cast their ballots. The elections were held in one stage, with voting taking place from seven in the morning until six in the evening.
While Chennai recorded a turnout of 83.03 per cent, Coimbatore 84.35 per cent and Madurai 80.15 per cent. Karur was the highest with 91.86 per cent.
About 84.51 per cent of the 5.73 crore eligible voters cast their votes in the elections, representing a record turnout. This figure was recorded till 5pm, with officials stating that the final figures will be released after the data is consolidated. Follow live updates here
The voting process took place in 75,064 polling stations distributed over 33,133 locations, with 4,023 candidates competing.
MK Stalin cast his vote in Chennai
Senior political leaders and several public figures were among those who cast their votes early in the day. Prime Minister M K Stalin cast his vote in Chennai, accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. AIADMK chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami voted in Salem. Politicians-actors Vijay, Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan and Ajith Kumar were also seen at polling stations before 9 am.
Demand trends in different regions
Preliminary participation numbers showed variation between regions. Tirupur recorded the highest participation of 62.97 per cent, while the Nilgiris recorded the lowest participation of 50.42 per cent during the day.
In Tamil Nadu, the main battle is shaping up between the ruling Congress, the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance and the BJP-AIADMK coalition. However, the entry of actor-turned-politician Tamil Nadu Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), to which Vijay belongs, has added a new layer of competition, turning the election into a multi-sided contest.
Candidates in the fray
A total of 4,023 candidates are competing across the state. MK Stalin is seeking re-election from Kolattur in Chennai, while Udhayanidhi Stalin is contesting from Chipauk-Thiruvalikini. Edappadi K. Palaniswami is located in the battle of Edappadi in Salem district. Vijay is competing from Perambur in Chennai and East Tiruchirappalli.
Looking back at the 2021 results
In the 2021 Assembly elections, the DMK-led alliance won 159 seats out of 234, while the AIADMK-led coalition won 75 seats.
During the campaign, the DMK framed the contest as a contest between Tamil Nadu and “Delhi-NDA”, referring to the BJP-led Centre. In response, the AIADMK raised issues including alleged family politics, law and order concerns, rising debt, and safety-related claims.
Election authorities have deployed around 1,700 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces across the state to ensure security. Mock polling exercises were conducted in advance, including at a Chennai high school, to test preparedness and ensure smooth running on polling day.
The counting of votes is scheduled to take place on May 4. The results will determine the formation of the next government in Tamil Nadu. The Assembly’s current term is scheduled to end on May 10.
