Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, actor-politician Vijay, and superstar Rajinikanth were early voters as polling commenced in Tamil Nadu’s 234 Assembly constituencies. Stalin and his wife voted in Teynampet, Chennai, while Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin also participated with his wife Krithika, showcasing the ruling DMK’s active involvement. Vijay, from Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), faced fan crowds at a Neelankarai polling station, managed by police for smooth voting.
Rajinikanth, accompanied by his daughter Soundarya, cast his vote at the Stella Maris booth in Chennai, urging all eligible voters to participate in the democratic process. The election, with 4,023 candidates and over 5.73 crore voters, is a significant event in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape. The contest involves the DMK-led alliance, the AIADMK-led front, Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), and Vijay’s TVK, adding complexity to the state’s political scenario.
Senior BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan voted in Saligramam, while Union Minister L. Murugan, contesting from Avinashi, cast his vote in Koyambedu. Technical issues with EVMs briefly delayed polling in Thillai Nagar, Tiruchy, where Minister K. N. Nehru, contesting from Tiruchy West, waited in line. Security measures are in place to ensure a peaceful and participatory election, emphasizing the importance of voter turnout.
