New Delhi, April 23 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday urged voters in Tamil Nadu to participate actively in the Assembly elections and especially appealed to young voters and women to turn out in large numbers and strengthen the democratic process through enthusiastic participation.
PM Modi posted on X, “As Tamil Nadu votes in the Assembly elections, I call upon all voters to take part enthusiastically in this sacred duty of democracy. I urge the youth and the women of Tamil Nadu in particular to come out and vote in record numbers.”
Polling for the high-stakes Tamil Nadu Assembly elections began on Thursday across all 234 constituencies, with over 5.73 crore eligible voters set to decide the fate of 4,023 candidates in a fiercely contested four-cornered battle.
The electoral contest primarily features the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance, Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), making this one of the most competitive elections in recent years.
According to the Election Commission, elaborate arrangements have been put in place to ensure smooth and peaceful polling across the state.
Voting commenced early in the morning, with voters queuing in large numbers at polling booths, reflecting strong public enthusiasm for participating in the democratic process.
Across Tamil Nadu, polling stations saw steady footfall from the early hours, with voters from various sections of society turning out to vote.
Election officials reported orderly conduct at most booths, supported by tight security and extensive monitoring to prevent any violations of the Model Code of Conduct. Authorities have deployed a large number of security personnel and implemented strict surveillance measures, including webcasting and flying squads, to ensure free and fair elections.
Special arrangements have also been made for elderly and differently-abled voters.
With voter turnout expected to play a decisive role, political parties are closely monitoring polling trends across constituencies.
The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4, when the electoral verdict will determine the next government in Tamil Nadu.
–IANS
rs/dpb