Chennai, April 23 (HS) : Tamil Nadu is witnessing a steady and enthusiastic voter turnout as polling for all 234 Assembly constituencies progresses smoothly on Thursday. Long queues were seen at several polling stations since early morning, reflecting strong public participation in what is considered a crucial electoral contest for the state.

The high-stakes election has drawn 4,023 candidates into the fray, with more than 5.73 crore eligible voters expected to determine the next government. The contest is largely centred around the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance and the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance, while other players such as Naam Tamilar Katchi and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam have added a competitive edge.

According to Election Commission officials, the polling process has remained largely peaceful so far, aided by extensive security arrangements and close monitoring. By 11 a.m., the state had recorded a voter turnout of 37.56%, indicating a positive trend in voter participation across multiple districts.

Among prominent leaders, Thol. Thirumavalavan cast his vote at a government school in Anganur in Ariyalur district’s Kunnam constituency. AIPTMMK Founder and General Secretary V. K. Sasikala exercised her franchise at Stella Maris College in Chennai and later urged people to treat the election as a “festival of democracy” and vote in large numbers.

Tamil Maanila congress (Moopanar) president, G. K. Vasan cast his vote at a Corporation School in Alwarpet, while VCK MP D. Ravikumar voted at Morattandi in the Vanur constituency.

Actor Trisha Krishnan also voted in Chennai and appealed to citizens to participate actively in the democratic process.

Polling will continue until evening, with authorities expecting the turnout to rise further as the day progresses.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar