Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections: Security Tightens as Vote Counting Begins
Chennai Prepares for Vote Counting
Chennai: Approximately 18,000 police officers will be stationed at counting centers as Tamil Nadu gears up for the Assembly election results on Monday, following the polling that took place on April 23 across all 234 constituencies.
Authorities have implemented stringent security measures at the 62 counting centers where the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are securely stored and will be opened under close supervision.
The counting process is highly anticipated, as it will reveal which party will govern the state, generating excitement among political factions and the public alike.
This election featured a four-way contest, including the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), and actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).
Political analysts suggest that the entry of TVK has significantly impacted the electoral landscape by dividing votes, complicating predictions. Key questions linger: Will the DMK reclaim power? Can the AIADMK-BJP coalition make a comeback? Will Vijay play a pivotal role or establish a formidable opposition?
The counting will commence at 8 a.m. with postal ballots, followed by EVM votes at 8:30 a.m. Enhanced security measures have been put in place throughout the state to ensure a smooth counting process.
In addition to the personnel at counting centers, over 40 companies of armed paramilitary forces have been deployed. Nearly 100,000 police officers will be on duty across Tamil Nadu as part of comprehensive security protocols mandated by Director General of Police Sandeep Rai Rathore. Senior officials, including IGs, DIGs, and Commissioners, have been directed to maintain strict oversight in their areas.
In Chennai, three counting centers have been established at Queen Mary’s College, Anna University (Guindy), and Loyola College, with around 3,000 police personnel assigned. Furthermore, more than 20,000 police officers will be present in the metropolitan area to avert any disturbances.
Security measures have also been extended to sensitive sites, including political party offices, to uphold law and order during the results announcement.
Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik stated that thorough preparations have been made for the counting process. A total of 234 counting halls have been designated for EVM votes, alongside 240 halls for postal ballots.
In total, 3,324 counting tables will be utilized, with 10,545 officials involved, supported by 4,624 micro-observers to ensure transparency and integrity.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has appointed 234 counting observers, one for each constituency, to supervise the process. Additionally, 1,135 Assistant Returning Officers have been assigned for postal ballot counting, with one counting table designated for every 500 votes.
To bolster security, a three-tier protection system has been established at all counting centers. For the first time, QR code-based photo ID cards have been introduced to control access, ensuring that only authorized personnel can enter after verification.
Results will be announced constituency-wise by Returning Officers using public address systems at counting centers and will also be accessible on official Election Commission platforms, including the ECI Net app and the website.
As the counting process unfolds, the entire state is expected to remain on high alert, anticipating a decisive mandate that will influence Tamil Nadu’s political landscape.