Chennai, May 19 (IANS): Proving the exit poll results wrong, the ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu has taken an early lead and appeared likely to retain power as counting of votes cast in the elections to 234-member assembly progressed on Thursday.
Early vote counting trends showed the AIADMK-led alliance is leading in 111 constituencies.
Already AIADMK party cadres are in the celebration mood at the party headquarters here.
Most of the opinion and exit polls had predicted the DMK to win the elections.
The AIADMK fielded 227 candidates, leaving seven seats for its allies. But all of them contested with the AIADMK symbol of two leaves.
Chief Minister J.Jayalalithaa is leading in Radhakrishnan Nagar constituency.
The DMK-led alliance is leading in 77 seats.