Tamil Nadu experienced diverse voter participation rates in the initial hours of polling on Thursday. The Kongu region led with nearly 20% turnout, while Chennai and some southern districts lagged behind. Within the first two hours, districts in the Kongu belt showed higher participation, with Tiruppur at 20.38%, Namakkal at 19.83%, Erode at 19.55%, and Salem at 19.46%, indicating an active start in western Tamil Nadu.
On the contrary, urban and southern areas witnessed slower polling rates. Chennai recorded a 16.51% turnout, while Thoothukudi had 16.63%, Sivaganga 16.18%, and Ramanathapuram the lowest at 15.54%, reflecting a subdued response initially. The voting is taking place across all 234 Assembly constituencies in a single phase, with expectations of increased participation as the day progresses.
Several notable figures, including Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, cast their votes early. M.K. Stalin, after voting at SIET College in Alwarpet, expressed confidence in Tamil Nadu’s victory and encouraged citizens to engage actively in the democratic process. Election officials attribute the turnout variation to factors like urban voting patterns and morning commute schedules, particularly in cities like Chennai.
Prominent personalities like actor Prabhu Ganesan and Sivakarthikeyan also participated in the voting process. Prabhu Ganesan voted with his family, while Sivakarthikeyan and his wife cast their votes at the Good Shepherd School polling booth in Valasaravakkam, Chennai. The election, with over 5.7 crore eligible voters, is witnessing a competitive environment, and the polling trends throughout the day are crucial in determining the final turnout.
