Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections Kick Off: Who Will Prevail in This High-Stakes Battle?

The Tamil Nadu Assembly elections have officially started, with voters lining up at polling stations across the state. The DMK seeks to retain power against the AIADMK, which aims for a comeback. Notable figures, including Union Minister L Murugan and actor Vijay, participated in the voting process. With a total electorate of 5.73 crore, the elections are set to determine the fate of over 4,000 candidates. Enhanced security measures and voter amenities have been implemented to ensure a smooth voting experience. Stay tuned for updates on this crucial political event.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 23, 2026, 11:05 IST

Voting Begins in Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Assembly elections commenced at 7 a.m. on Thursday, with voters forming lines outside polling stations statewide under stringent security measures.

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), leading the Secular Progressive Alliance, aims to maintain its governance, supported by a coalition that includes Congress, Left parties, and the VCK. In contrast, the AIADMK, part of the National Democratic Alliance, is striving to reclaim power alongside its allies, including the BJP, AMMK, and PMK.

Actor Vijay's Tamil Nadu Thowheed Jamath (TVK) is making a bid to disrupt the long-standing dominance of DMK and AIADMK in state politics.

Among the early voters were AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami, veteran Congress figure P Chidambaram, BJP candidate Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan, and NTK leader Seeman, who cast their votes in various locations including Salem and Chennai.

Union Minister L Murugan also participated, waiting in line to vote in Chennai.

BJP leader Kushbu and her husband, filmmaker Sundar C, voted in the city as well. Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik cast her vote in Virugambakkam, part of the Maduravoyal Assembly constituency.

The electorate in Tamil Nadu stands at 5.73 crore, with voting taking place across 75,064 polling stations in 33,133 locations, determining the fate of 4,023 candidates.

The voter demographic includes 2.93 crore women, 2.83 crore men, and 7,728 individuals identifying as third-gender.

The Tamil Nadu Assembly consists of 234 members.

The Election Commission has arranged for 1,06,418 ballot units, 75,064 control units, and VVPAT machines.

To mitigate any technical issues, a reserve of 20% for EVMs and 30% for VVPATs is being maintained, as per officials. Additionally, 300 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and 83,875 state police personnel have been deployed to ensure a smooth voting process.

There are 14,59,039 first-time voters and 3,98,513 electors aged 85 and older, many of whom have already utilized the home voting option. Over 3.60 lakh government employees are on duty for the elections.

To facilitate voting, election officials have provided amenities such as drinking water, restrooms, help desks, ramps, and wheelchair assistance.

Strict regulations are in place prohibiting cellphones and smartwatches inside polling areas.