Chennai, April 23: Tamil Nadu is witnessing polling across all 234 Assembly constituencies as voters participate in a closely watched electoral contest marked by a multi-party battle and steady turnout in the early hours of voting.
According to the Election Commission, 37.56 percent voter turnout was recorded till 11 a.m., with polling progressing across districts under strict security arrangements. Authorities reported smooth conduct of voting as citizens continued to arrive at polling stations through the morning.
The electoral contest features 4,023 candidates in the fray, with more than 5.73 crore eligible voters expected to decide the political future of the state. The main political contest is between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance and the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance, while Naam Tamilar Katchi and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam have added further competition to the race.
Polling began early in the day, with officials monitoring voting patterns and ensuring security deployment across sensitive and high-density areas. Election authorities stated that the process remained peaceful and orderly during the initial hours.
Several political leaders exercised their franchise during the morning. Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi leader Thol. Thirumavalavan cast his vote at a government school polling booth in Anganur under Kunnam Assembly constituency in Ariyalur district.
Former AIADMK general secretary V. K. Sasikala voted at Stella Maris College in Chennai and described the election as a festival of democracy, urging voters to participate in large numbers. Tamil Maanila Congress president G. K. Vasan cast his vote at a Corporation School polling booth in Alwarpet, Chennai.
In Vanur constituency, VCK MP D. Ravikumar also exercised his franchise at Morattandi polling booth.
The election saw participation from public figures as well, with actor Trisha Krishnan voting at a polling station in Alwarpet, Chennai, accompanied by her mother. She refrained from political statements and encouraged citizens to prioritise voting as part of democratic participation.
With voting continuing through the day, election officials expect turnout figures to rise further as more voters arrive at polling stations. Authorities remain engaged in monitoring the process to ensure fair and peaceful polling across all constituencies.
The election is being viewed as a significant political exercise with high voter engagement and competitive participation from major political alliances and emerging parties across the state.
