As voting gets underway in Tamil Nadu today (April 23), authorities have rolled out elaborate security measures and launched a sweeping campaign against malpractices. Over 5.73 crore eligible voters will decide the outcome for 4,023 contenders.
The electoral battle is chiefly a contest between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led alliance and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)-led National Democratic Alliance. While Chief Minister MK Stalin is seeking re-election, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami is positioning himself for a return to the corridors of power.
As the elections unfold, here is a look at some of the biggest names who have voted till now.
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Congress politician and former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram cast his vote in Karaikudi, Sivaganga.
State BJP vice president Khushbu Sundar cast her vote at a polling booth in Mylapore.
NTK Chief Senthamilan Seeman went to vote at a polling station in Neelankarai.
Actor Ajith Kumar was seen coming out of a building after exercising his right.
AIADMK General Secretary Edappai K Palaniswami cast his vote in Salem.
BJP's Mylapore Tamilisai Soundararajan candidate was seen putting in her vote.
IIT Madras Director Veezhinathan Kamakoti cast his vote in Mylapore.
Alliances play a crucial role in this election, with DMK working alongside 13 parties, compared to nine allies in the AIADMK camp. The Indian National Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party are the largest contributors to these respective coalitions.
The electoral contest spans all 234 constituencies in the State, with 4,023 candidates vying for a place in the Assembly. High-profile contenders include Chief Minister MK Stalin (Kolathur) of the DMK, Edappadi K Palaniswami (Edappadi) of the AIADMK, C Joseph Vijay of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) contesting in Perambur and Tiruchirappalli (East), and Seeman from Karaikudi representing the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK).
The list of key candidates also features DMK's Udhayanidhi Stalin, representing Chepauk–Thiruvallikeni; former AIADMK stalwart O Panneerselvam in Bodinayakanur; DMDK leader Premallatha Vijayakant, wife of late actor-politician Vijayakanth, contesting from Vriddhachalam; and KA Sengottaiyan, now in the fray from Gobichettipalayam under the banner of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.
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