Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 23: Voting is underway across all 234 constituencies in Tamil Nadu on Thursday, marking a decisive moment as millions of voters turn out to choose their next state government.
A total of 4,023 candidates are contesting in what has emerged as a highly competitive, multi-cornered election. The main contest features major political players such as the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Naam Tamilar Katchi, and Tamil Manila Congress, alongside several smaller parties and independent candidates, making the electoral landscape complex across regions.
The electorate comprises over 5.73 crore registered voters, including approximately 2.93 crore women and 2.83 crore men, underscoring the scale of the democratic exercise.
In the run-up to polling, the Election Commission of India carried out extensive voter awareness initiatives to boost participation and address apathy, particularly in urban areas.
Tamil Nadu’s Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik stated that all arrangements for smooth polling have been completed. She also noted that authorities issued over 240 clarifications during the campaign period to counter misinformation circulating on social media, aiming to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
Preparations included mock polling drills at multiple locations across the state, ensuring that systems functioned efficiently before voting began.
To facilitate the process, more than 75,000 polling stations have been set up, with over three lakh personnel deployed to manage operations. Security arrangements have been significantly reinforced, with upwards of 83,000 police personnel stationed statewide to ensure peaceful voting.
Additionally, over one lakh ballot units, along with control units and VVPAT machines, have been deployed, with reserve stock kept ready to handle any technical issues.
The election is expected to play a crucial role in shaping Tamil Nadu’s political direction, with results keenly awaited.