Chennai, April 23 Tamil Nadu witnessed an impressive surge in voter participation during the Assembly elections on Thursday, with turnout reaching 82.24 per cent by 5 p.m., already surpassing the final polling percentage of 73.63 per cent recorded in the 2021 elections.
The steady rise in turnout through the day reflected strong voter enthusiasm across urban and rural constituencies alike, despite hot weather conditions prevailing in several parts of the state.
As polling entered its final hour, the Election Commission of India (ECI) made a last-minute appeal to voters, particularly in Chennai, to reach polling stations and cast their votes.
In Chennai, several prominent political leaders exercised their franchise. AIADMK candidate from Royapuram D. Jayakumar and BJP leader Khushbu Sundar were among those who voted and later displayed their ink-marked fingers, urging citizens to actively participate in the democratic process.
Meanwhile, inspiring scenes of electoral participation emerged from remote regions as well. In Kanniyakumari district, members of the Kani tribal community braved logistical challenges to cast their votes. Residents of isolated hill hamlets crossed the Pechiparai dam by boat to reach polling stations, as there is no road connectivity due to high water levels.
To facilitate their participation, the district administration arranged three special boats and ensured the availability of life jackets, enabling safe transportation for voters. The determined turnout from these remote areas underscored the deep-rooted commitment to democracy among marginalised communities.
Political reactions also began to surface as polling progressed. MDMK leader Vaiko expressed confidence that the DMK-led alliance would return to power with a decisive mandate, predicting that the coalition would secure more than 200 seats in the 234-member Assembly.
With polling drawing to a close, authorities are now focused on ensuring the smooth completion of the electoral process, as Tamil Nadu awaits the verdict of the electorate.
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