M. K. Stalin, president of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, on Thursday expressed confidence that the state would "win" the Assembly elections.
After casting his vote at the SIET College polling station in Chennai, along with his wife Durga Stalin and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, he said, "Tamil Nadu will win." The remark echoed his earlier statement describing the election as a "contest between the Tamil Nadu team and the Delhi team."
Speaking to PTI, Stalin urged citizens to fulfil their democratic duty. "I have cast my vote. Similarly, all the people of Tamil Nadu must perform their democratic duty without fail," he said.
Voting for the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly began at 7 a.m. on Thursday under tight security arrangements. The main contest is between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance and the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance, with parties like Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) adding further intensity to the race.
According to the Election Commission of India, a total of 4,023 candidates are in the fray, with over 5.73 crore eligible voters expected to decide the state's electoral fate. By 11 a.m., voter turnout had reached 37.56%, indicating brisk polling across several regions.
Authorities are closely monitoring the process to ensure smooth and peaceful voting throughout the day.
Several prominent leaders and public figures cast their votes in the morning. Thol. Thirumavalavan, leader of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), voted in Ariyalur district. V. K. Sasikala cast her vote at Stella Maris College in Chennai, calling the election a "festival of democracy" and urging high voter participation. G. K. Vasan also cast his vote in Chennai, while D. Ravikumar voted in the Vanur constituency.
Among celebrities, Trisha Krishnan cast her vote in Chennai and encouraged citizens to participate in the democratic process.
With steady turnout and active participation from voters and public figures, Tamil Nadu is witnessing a vibrant democratic exercise. Polling will continue until the evening, with turnout expected to rise further.
(With inputs from IANS)
