Over 5.73 crore voters will determine the fate of 4,023 candidates contesting in the crucial Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election scheduled for April 23.
The high-stakes contest sees the two major Dravidian parties once again locked in direct battle, with the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), heading the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), facing the opposition All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), which leads the NDA in the state. While the DMK is seeking to retain power, the AIADMK is aiming to return to office after five years in opposition.
Chief Minister and DMK president M K Stalin has promised to transform Tamil Nadu into a model state in South Asia, while AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami urged first-time voters not to make the wrong choice and called for a strong mandate to bring development, peace, and prosperity.
As campaigning concluded on April 21, the focus now shifts to polling day and subsequent counting, scheduled for May 4. Actor-turned-politician and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) founder Vijay, contesting from Perambur and Tiruchirappalli East in his electoral debut, criticised Palaniswami, questioning whether the former chief minister could win outside his home district of Salem.
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A total of 4,023 candidates are in the fray across 234 constituencies, with 5,73,43,291 registered electors expected to vote. The Election Commission has also intensified voter awareness campaigns, aiming for maximum turnout across constituencies. Ahead of polling, Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik reviewed the control room to assess preparations for smooth polling operations.
EVMs are being transported to polling stations as part of final logistical arrangements. More than 1.40 lakh police personnel have been deployed across the state, with additional security arranged for sensitive booths. Authorities have also directed outside campaign workers to return to their respective constituencies.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India has launched the second phase of its International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP), 2026, for Tamil Nadu polls. Participants will visit dispatch centres, district control rooms, and media monitoring facilities, and observe polling on April 23.
Officials have instructed that candidate buttons on EVMs must remain clearly visible and not be tampered with in any way, including covering with tape, glue, or other materials. Applying ink, colour, perfume, or chemicals to reveal voting patterns has also been strictly prohibited.
The ECI has warned that any attempt to interfere with EVMs will be treated as a serious electoral offence, with possible criminal action and even re-polling in affected booths.
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