Chennai (Rajeev Sharma): The 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections got underway on Thursday morning, with polling beginning at 7 am under stringent security measures across the state. Early visuals showed enthusiastic voters arriving at polling centres, forming queues well before voting hours in several districts.
The electoral battle features a strong contest between the incumbent Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and its principal rival, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). Adding a new dynamic to the race are emerging political players such as Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and Seeman-led Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), both aiming to make significant inroads.
With an electorate exceeding 5.7 crore, the election is one of the largest in the country. Women voters slightly outnumber men, while thousands of third-gender voters are also participating in the democratic exercise. Polling is taking place at tens of thousands of booths spread across more than 30,000 locations statewide.
Election authorities have deployed a vast network of electronic voting machines, including ballot and control units along with VVPAT devices, to ensure transparency. Additional machines have been kept ready as a precaution to tackle any unforeseen technical issues during the process.
Security remains a top priority, with hundreds of companies of central forces working alongside state police personnel to maintain order, particularly in sensitive areas. Surveillance teams and rapid response units have also been mobilized to address any disturbances swiftly.
The polling process is expected to continue throughout the day, with officials urging citizens to come out in large numbers and cast their votes peacefully. The results of this election are anticipated to have a significant impact on Tamil Nadu’s political direction in the coming years.
