Around 18,000 police officers will be present at the counting centers in Tamil Nadu as the state gears up for the Assembly election results. Security has been tightened at all 62 counting locations where Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are stored, ensuring strict supervision during the process. The outcome of the counting is crucial as it will determine the next government in the state, creating anticipation among political parties and the public.
The election featured a four-way battle involving 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). The entry of TVK has added complexity to predictions by splitting votes, making it challenging to foresee the final outcome. Questions linger on whether the DMK will make history by returning to power, if the AIADMK-BJP alliance can make a comeback, and whether Vijay will play a significant role in the election results.
The counting process will commence at 8 a.m. with postal ballots, followed by EVM votes at 8.30 a.m., with heightened security measures in place across Tamil Nadu. Apart from the substantial police presence at counting centers, more than 40 armed paramilitary forces have been deployed, totaling nearly one lakh police personnel on duty as part of the security arrangements directed by Director General of Police Sandeep Rai Rathore.
In Chennai, three counting centers have been established at Queen Mary’s College, Anna University (Guindy), and Loyola College, with approximately 3,000 police officers assigned. Furthermore, over 20,000 police personnel will be stationed in the metropolitan area to prevent any potential disturbances. Security measures have been extended to sensitive locations, including political party offices, to uphold law and order during the result declaration.
