Polling began at 7 am across all 234 constituencies in Tamil Nadu for the election to its 17th State Assembly, with nearly 5.73 crore voters—including about 14.59 lakh first-time voters—set to decide the fate of 4,023 candidates in what is shaping up to be a closely watched three-cornered contest.
While the traditional rivalry between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) dominates the landscape, the entry of Tamil Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has added a new dimension, with many viewing it as a potential spoiler.
The DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) comprises 13 parties, including Congress, while the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which includes the Bharatiya Janata Party, has nine constituents. Meanwhile, both TVK and Naam Tamilar Katchi are contesting independently across all the 234 seats.
Key candidates in the fray include Chief Minister MK Stalin from Kolathur in Chennai, AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami from Edappadi, TVK president C. Joseph Vijay from Perambur (Chennai) and Tiruchirappalli (East), NTK leader Seeman from Karaikudi, and Udhayanidhi Stalin from Chepauk–Thiruvallikeni (Chennai).
In the 2021 Assembly elections, held amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the State recorded a voter turnout of 73.63 per cent. The DMK-led alliance secured 159 seats, with the DMK alone winning 133—its first absolute majority in 25 years. The NDA won 75 seats, including 66 by the AIADMK and four by the BJP.
This election is widely being seen as a “Gen-Z election,” driven by the large youth turnout at Vijay’s campaign rallies across the State.
Polling is being conducted at 75,064 stations spread across 33,133 locations, supported by over 1.06 lakh ballot units, 75,064 control units, and VVPAT machines. For security, 300 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces have been deployed along with 83,875 State police personnel.
Votes will be counted on May 4.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, a large number of people from Chennai left for their hometowns to cast their votes, with a total of 11,323 special buses operating to various places from Kilambakkam, Koyambedu, and Madhavaram bus termini. There was unrest in some places, and also traffic jams on the outskirts.
Published on April 23, 2026