Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live Updates: 83.7% turnout masks drop in total votes across city constituencies

Tamil Nadu polls: AIADMK candidate NS Natarajan files complaint against DMK minister MP Saminathan

Kangeyam AIADMK candidate NS Natarajan filed complaint against DMK rival and minister MP Saminathan over alleged polling booth violation.

Video: DMK Spokesperson TKS Elangovan hit out at TVK chief Vijay

Tamil Nadu polls: Urban-rural divide narrows as poll percentage rises

Voter turnout patterns have traditionally been higher in rural areas, but this election cycle shows urban constituencies significantly narrowing the gap.

According to Election Commission data till 9 pm, apart from a few seats in Chennai district, more than 35 constituencies across 50 urban centres recorded an increase in absolute voter numbers compared to 2021, ranging from 800 to 48,000.

In 2021, Palacode in Dharmapuri district topped the state with 87% turnout, while Chepauk–Triplicane in Chennai, one of the most urban constituencies, recorded just 59%. This time, the figures stand at 92.57% and 84.34% respectively, indicating a clear narrowing of the rural–urban gap.

The urban constituency of Karur, which saw the highest number of contestants at 79, topped overall turnout with 93.40%, up from 84.13% in 2021. The seat has long been a closely contested political battleground between V Senthilbalaji and M R Vijayabaskar, former AIADMK rivals before Balaji’s shift to the DMK.

Among rural constituencies, Kumarapalayam, represented by former AIADMK minister P Thangamani, registered the highest turnout at 93%.

At the other end, Nagercoil in Kanyakumari district recorded the lowest urban turnout at 74.73%.

Tamil Nadu polls: Elderly, those with disabilities have rough time at some stations

Elderly voters and persons with disabilities faced multiple challenges at several polling stations across the city, including the lack of wheelchairs and poorly planned booth locations that were difficult to access.

Some of these issues were reported at St George Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School in Shenoy Nagar, where election officials had otherwise put in place extensive arrangements, including multiple booths across two buildings, volunteers to assist voters, wheelchairs, clear signage, a public address system, a helpdesk and a medical emergency team.

Despite these measures, accessibility gaps persisted. Pushpalatha, 51, from T P Chathiram, had to crawl up a flight of stairs to reach her polling booth located on an upper floor, which had no elevator access.

Tamil Nadu polls: DMK, TVK cadres clash in several places

Largely peaceful polling in Tamil Nadu on Thursday was marred by sporadic clashes between cadres of DMK and TVK in several parts of the state.

In Harbour constituency, tension flared when supporters of HR&CE minister P K Sekarbabu and TVK candidate ‘Sinora’ P S Ashok clashed near a polling booth on Angappa Naicken Street. According to police, the trouble began in the evening when both leaders were present at the area. A verbal exchange between them soon escalated into a confrontation between their supporters. Police intervened and dispersed the crowd.

In Chepauk-Triplicane constituency, TVK cadres organised a road roko, alleging they were attacked by DMK workers near Ice House. During talks with police, TVK cadres accused a DMK councillor of assault and demanded action. The protest was withdrawn after police assured they would initiate an inquiry.

In Saidapet, three people, including two TVK cadres and a DMK councillor, Sridhar, were injured in a clash near Aranganathan subway. The incident occurred when health minister Ma Subramanian visited a polling booth. An argument broke out after Sridhar asked TVK cadres to vacate the area, leading to a physical altercation.

A separate clash in Royapettah involving DMK, TVK, and AIADMK cadres left a TVK functionary injured. Police said the incident took place on VM Street when a dispute arose over seating arrangements. The injured TVK functionary, identified as Rathi, later sat in a protest, demanding action against DMK members. A complaint was filed, and an inquiry is underway.

Tamil Nadu polls: Many missing in post-SIR rolls show up to vote, denied

Several voters who turned up at polling booths on Thursday were unable to cast their votes as their names were missing from the revised electoral rolls following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).

Some voters, despite carrying voter ID cards, protested at polling stations but were not allowed to vote. Officials said that while a few had submitted SIR forms, they had not completed the process by appealing or verifying their details online, while others had not applied at all.

S Yashodha, a voter from Saidapet West Jones Road, said she had applied months ago by submitting the SIR form but did not receive any confirmation. “My booth level officer said I can vote with the voter ID and I believed that, and left it. But now, they are saying I cannot vote. All the other members in my family got it though,” she said.

Tamil Nadu polls: 61 dalits in Vengaivayal, 900 SC Nanguneri voters boycott poll

Elections often become a platform for voters to express discontent by staying away from the polls, as seen in parts of Pudukottai district and in three villages of Nanguneri in Tirunelveli district on Thursday.

In Vengaivayal village, 61 Scheduled Caste (SC) residents boycotted the election, even as neighbouring Eraiyur withdrew its earlier call for a boycott. The protest traces back to a 2022 incident in which human faeces were allegedly mixed in an overhead tank supplying drinking water to the SC hamlet. While Vengaivayal residents accused non-Dalit residents of Eraiyur of contaminating the source, the latter denied the charge and made counter-allegations.

Ahead of the polls, Eraiyur residents had also threatened a boycott, citing a range of demands, while Vengaivayal residents sought the withdrawal of cases filed against them, arguing they were victims in the contamination incident.

In Nanguneri, nearly 900 voters from Indra Colony, Perumbathu and Ilayaneri villages stayed away from voting, protesting the government’s failure to provide security following the March 2 double murder of a local resident and a guest worker from Odisha by armed assailants. The villagers had been demanding justice for the family of the deceased, John, and said assurances from officials had not translated into adequate protection.

TN polls: Sealed EVMs shifted to strong rooms in Thoothukudi amid tight security

Polling for the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections held on April 23 concluded peacefully, with sealed Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) moved to designated strong rooms under tight security, as cited by ANI.

Voting began at 7.00 am and ended at 6:00 pm, after which EVMs and VVPAT devices from all polling stations were sealed by election officials in accordance with established procedures.

From midnight, the machines were transported from respective constituencies under heavy police escort, including armed personnel, to the central counting centre at the VOC Government Engineering College campus in Thoothukudi.

At the venue, officials worked round the clock to place the EVMs in designated strong rooms, with over 500 election and government staff involved in ensuring secure storage as per prescribed guidelines.

Tamil Nadu polls: North region sees 87% turnout as DMK bastion holds strong; Karur tops state at 92.64%

The DMK’s northern stronghold—spanning 10 districts from Cuddalore to Tiruvannamalai—recorded the second-highest turnout in the state, with over 1.38 crore voters casting their ballots, translating to an 87.36% turnout. This marks an increase of 11.74% from 2021, when the region saw 75.62% participation (1.32 crore voters). Having swept the region in 2021, the DMK and its allies appear to be facing a high-stakes contest to retain their dominance amid the surge in turnout.

In contrast, while Karur district in central Tamil Nadu emerged as the state’s top performer with a 92.64% turnout, the central region as a whole, comprising nine districts, ranked third in overall participation.

Notably, the Karur Assembly constituency, which witnessed a tragic stampede during TVK chief Vijay’s roadshow that claimed 41 lives, recorded the highest polling in the state at 93.3%.

Tamil Nadu polls: Western region records highest turnout

Several districts in western Tamil Nadu recorded voter turnout above the state average, with the region collectively logging 88 per cent, surpassing its 2021 participation levels.

Traditionally a stronghold of the AIADMK and its leader Edappadi K Palaniswami, the belt saw Salem and neighbouring districts, Dharmapuri, Erode and Namakkal, all cross the 90 per cent mark. Salem, Palaniswami’s home turf, led with a turnout of 90.13 per cent, while constituencies such as Veerapandi and Sankari also exceeded 90%.

The western region had similarly recorded higher turnout than other parts of the state in 2021 as well.

Tamil Nadu polls: Lower turnout, yet higher ‘percentage’

The headline turnout of 83.7% masks a quieter trend; in absolute terms, fewer people voted than in the last two Assembly elections.

Data till 9.30 pm (excluding postal ballots) shows a sharp rise in percentage turnout from 60% in 2021 and 61.2% in 2016. However, the total votes polled stood at 23.7 lakh this year, lower than 24.16 lakh in 2021 and 24.3 lakh in 2016. Nearly 15,000 postal ballots were recorded in 2021.

The decline becomes more evident over time. While 2021 saw a marginal drop of 17,100 votes compared to 2016, 2026 registered a sharper fall of around 47,000 votes (as of 9 pm) from 2021 levels, despite the apparent surge in turnout percentage.

At the constituency level, only five of the 16 core city segments recorded marginal increases, while Perambur remained largely unchanged. Kolathur saw 5,000 more voters than in 2021, and Thiru Vi Ka Nagar recorded an increase of 7,000. Velachery’s turnout rose by about 2,000.

In contrast, RK Nagar saw 10,000 fewer voters as of 9 pm compared to 2021, while Villivakkam recorded a drop of 7,000 votes. Chepauk and Royapuram registered modest increases of 1,000 and 3,000 respectively, while Perambur remained at around the same 2 lakh votes as the previous election.

'Percentage is higher because denominator has come down...': DMK spokesperson on high voter turnout in Tamil Nadu

DMK spokesperson Sarvana Annadurai, in a veiled jab at the BJP, claimed that the high voter turnout in Tamil Nadu was due to a reduction in the number of registered voters following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.

"The percentage is higher because the denominator has come down. This is elementary mathematics. You have brought the number of voters down by introducing SIR. Now you're saying, 'Wow, look at this poll percentage!' That is not something unprecedented, nor is this something which is out of the way, as some claim. Whoever tracks numbers, especially with regard to an election, they are very clear that this is a normal thing," he said, as cited by ANI.

TN polls: EVMs shifted to strong rooms

Polling for the Tamil Nadu Assembly election concluded on April 23, after which election officials transferred sealed EVMs, VVPATs and related materials to strong rooms at designated counting centres statewide. The machines were moved under heavy police and armed escort to 62 centres. Counting for all 234 constituencies will occur on 4 May, with multi-layered, round-the-clock security in place.

Tamil Nadu voter turnout shows anti-incumbency wave, claims AIADMK

AIADMK national spokesperson Kovai Sathyan on Thursday said the 84.69 per cent turnout in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections was not unusual, describing it as a sign of strong anti-incumbency against the ruling DMK. He noted the largely peaceful conduct of polling, with only minor incidents handled firmly, and praised the Election Commission for ensuring smooth proceedings. Sathyan argued that the higher turnout—around 23 lakh more votes than last time—reflected growing public dissatisfaction with the government. He downplayed the impact of newcomer Vijay, citing a lack of organisational strength. High participation in AIADMK strongholds, some exceeding 90 per cent, further underscored the trend. He said the voting pattern pointed to a political shift, as polling for 234 seats concluded with robust participation across districts.

EVMs brought at strong room in Chennai's Anna University

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: Turnout rises to record 85%

Tamil Nadu witnessed a record voter turnout of over 85 per cent on Thursday during elections to 234 assembly constituencies in a three-cornered electoral battle involving the ruling DMK, AIADMK, and new entrant, actor-politician Joseph C Vijay-led TVK.

Polling passed off peacefully without any major incidents.

The turnout was a record 85.05% with the ruling DMK, which put up a big fight over delimitation to target the AIADMK-BJP's NDA, fighting hard to retain power. The main opposition AIADMK, that cornered the incumbent regime over a slew of issues including burgeoning debt burden and alleged law and order deterioration, slogged to wrest power.

The fledgling TVK led by charismatic actor-politician Vijay and Tamil nationalist Seeman's over 15-year old NTK are pretty serious players in the electoral arena.

Both DMK and AIADMK exuded confidence of winning. (PTI)

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: Just 3 votes cast in Tirunelveli village; district clocks 78% turnout

In a stark contrast to the rising voter turnout across Tamil Nadu, a tiny hamlet in Tirunelveli district turned the democratic festival into a silent protest as nearly the entire village boycotted the polls on Thursday.

Perumpathu, a village of 969 electors situated 25km south of Tirunelveli, saw only three people -- one man and two women -- cast their votes.

This local boycott stood in sharp relief against the overall polling trends in the district.

According to official data, the district-wide average poll percentage reached 77.69%.

The boycott stems from deep-seated disillusionment following a harrowing incident in March, where a lawless gang terrorised the village with deadly weapons, leaving two dead and seven others with grievous injuries.

While the district administration and police took action following the violence, residents of the caste-atrocity-prone village dismissed the measures as a "face-saving formula" by officials.

Fed up with recurring violence, the villagers resolved to shun the electoral system entirely.

Tirunelveli District Collector and Election Officer Sukumar rushed to the village to hold conciliatory talks and persuade the residents to exercise their franchise. However, the villagers remained stubborn against a system they feel has failed to protect them. (PTI)

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: BJP credits surge to electoral roll revision

Attributing the surge in voter turnout to the Election Commission’s reforms, BJP leader Narayanan Thirupathy on Thursday stated that the high polling percentage across Tamil Nadu reflects a robust democratic spirit and signals a confident path to victory for the NDA.

"The full credit to SIR (Special Intensive Revision of electoral roll). Hats off to the Election Commission of India. We have seen in Bihar, Assam, West Bengal, Kerala and now Pondicherry and now in Tamil Nadu. So, full credit to them," Thirupathy told PTI Videos.

He added that those who previously opposed these reforms should now feel "ashamed" as citizens exercised their right to vote in "large, large, large numbers".

While expressing optimism about "giving a good governance", the BJP leader alleged that the ruling DMK has resorted to widespread malpractice due to a "fear of defeat". He claimed that "money also flowed like a river and violence also equal to that of money".

"Winning or losing is part of life, part of the game. But these people want money, they want power," he said. (PTI)

'Not an unusual surge': DMK on record polling in Tamil Nadu

The DMK on Thursday dismissed reports of an unusual surge in voting percentages in the ongoing elections, terming the trends an "accurate reflection" of the electorate following the removal of dead and shifted voters from the rolls.'

"Going by established historical trends, the party expects the total number of votes polled in this cycle to reach approximately 5 crore," said DMK spokesperson Saravana Annadurai.

Annadurai pointed to a consistent historical growth in the state's voting population to support his claim that the current numbers are not unusual.

He noted that the number of polled votes has risen steadily from 2.80 crore in 2001 to 4.58 crore in 2021, with an average increase of 30 to 40 lakh voters every five years.

Saravanan attributed the high percentage to the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) initiatives and the cleanup of electoral registries, which ensures a more precise calculation of the actual votes polled.

He also asserted that the party is poised to emerge victorious and form the next government based on the observed voting patterns. (PTI)

‘ECI salutes voters’: CEC Gyanesh Kumar hails Tamil Nadu, West Bengal for record polling

Highest ever percentage of polling in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu since Independence - ECI salutes each voter of West Bengal and Tamil Nadu: CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: Tamil Nadu sees record polling, surpasses 2011 turnout

Tamil Nadu surpassed its highest assembly polls turnout on Thursday, when over 80% of the 5.73 crore voters cast their vote for the elections to 234 constituencies across the state.

Till 5 pm, the state recorded 82.24% voting, according to Election Commission of India (EC) figures.

The state recorded its highest--78.29%, in the 2011 polls that the AIADMK swept.

Incidentally, through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), the electorate size has been reduced from 6.41 crore recorded in October 2025 to the current 5.73 crore. Consequently, the 2021 polls saw about 6.29 crore people registered, 56 lakh voters more than this year. (PTI)

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: Voter turnout rises to 84.29%

Tamil Nadu records 84.29% polling till 6 pm, says Election Commission. (PTI)

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: 'Edappadi K Palaniswami will be next CM,' says Union minister Piyush Goyal, predicting NDA's win

Union minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday asserted that AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami will be the next chief minister of Tamil Nadu on May 4. He also expressed satisfaction over rising voter turnout.

Speaking to reporters here, Goyal said, "Edappadi K Palaniswami will become the new chief minister of Tamil Nadu on May 4. I am delighted that the results of the work we have undertaken in Tamil Nadu over the last two to two-and-a-half years are now visible in the voting percentage. These results will demonstrate that the Election Commission has rectified the electoral process, which had been completely undermined for years by Mamata Banerjee through the induction of outsiders."

Tamil Nadu witnessed massive voter turnout in the assembly polls, recording 82.24% till 5 PM, according to the Election Commission of India. (ANI)

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: EVMs being sealed at a polling station in Madurai as voting concludes

Voting ends for Tamil Nadu assembly elections

Voting for the Tamil Nadu assembly election ended at 6 pm on Thursday and electors who gathered in the polling stations before the time for closure of polling were allowed to vote, officials said.

About 82.24% of the 5.73 crore eligible voters exercised their franchise in the election to the 234-member strong Tamil Nadu assembly, a record turnout. This was the provincial figure till 5 pm and the final data will be made available following consolidation of data, officials added.

People voted in as many as 75,064 polling stations in 33,133 locations to decide the fortunes of 4,023 candidates. (PTI)

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: BJP's ex-state chief Annamalai alleges 'massive electoral malpractices' and 'inadequate' transport

Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai on Thursday alleged that "massive electoral malpractices" were taking place in the state assembly elections and criticised the Election Commission for "failing" to provide adequate transport facilities for voters.

Speaking to reporters after casting his vote at a polling station in the Goundampalayam constituency, the BJP leader claimed that money and gold were being distributed brazenly to influence the electorate.

"House to house, four people are walking and giving Rs 5,000 for one vote. In the Karur Assembly constituency, they are boldly going and giving a half-gram gold coin to a voter. All of this didn't happen in a single day. This money has come from somewhere. It has been hidden somewhere. They have micro-managed it somewhere," Annamalai said.

He further noted that similar cash distributions had been reported within Coimbatore over the last few days, which he said had disturbed the sanctity of the polling process.

The BJP leader also lashed out at the authorities over logistical failures, citing a severe shortage of bus services that prevented voters from reaching their home districts.

He said he had received numerous complaints from the public and youth regarding the lack of adequate government and private buses for those travelling from Chennai to southern Tamil Nadu.

"Many of our voters, party members, neutral observers, and the youth have been raising this as a major complaint since yesterday. For instance, a bus that left Chennai last night was expected to reach Ramanathapuram only at 6 pm or 6.30 pm this evening," Annamalai said.

He added that the Election Commission could have handled this "better" in Tamil Nadu.

"They should have taken the Transport Department into their hands, issued instructions, and checked if there were adequate buses to ensure a smooth flow," Annamalai said.

While noting that Tamil Nadu is generally a peaceful state with approximately 84,000 police personnel deployed for the single-phase polls, Annamalai remarked that the Election Commission should have performed its duties much better.

He urged the commission to take control of the remaining polling hours to ensure all citizens could exercise their franchise.

Despite the complaints, he expressed confidence that the over 5.6 crore voters in the state would look beyond these inducements and vote according to their conscience for a change in the state.

Polling for the election to 234 Assembly seats was underway across Tamil Nadu on Thursday. (PTI)

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: Chennai sees 81% voter turnout

Chennai records 81.34% polling till 5pm, says Election Commission. (PTI)

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: Tamil Nadu records 82% turnout till 5pm

Tamil Nadu records 82.24% polling till 5 pm, says Election Commission. (PTI)

'Signs of change in govt': PM leader Anbumabi predicts NDA victory in Tamil Nadu after bumper voting

PMK leader Anbumani on Thursday claimed that as the voting proceeds briskly, it indicates signs of change in the government and a victory for AIADMK-led NDA.

BJP, PMK, and AMMK were also part of the alliance.

"A massive victory for the PMK, the AIADMK, and other alliance partners has become a certainty", he said in a statement.

"Ten months ago, when I started the "Journey to Reclaim the Rights of the Tamil People", I stated that a wave of discontent against the ruling regime was already brewing in Tamil Nadu", he added.

"I predicted that this wave would intensify in the coming months, eventually transforming into a tsunami-like force during the elections that would sweep the current government out of power. That is precisely what is unfolding today," Ramadoss further stated.

He alleged that during the last five years, an endless spate of sexual atrocities against women and children, the collapse of the agricultural sector, widespread unemployment, unbearable hikes in taxes and fees, soaring prices of essential commodities, and the systemic decay of the education and healthcare sectors were prevalent in the state.

"The seed of their liberation has been sown today, and on May 4, that liberation will blossom", he claimed. (PTI)

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: Superstar Rajinikanth's wife Latha Rajinikanth casts her vote

Tamil Nadu assembly polls: Actor Suriya, Jyothika cast their votes in Chennai

The popular actor couple Suriya and Jyothika cast their votes in the ongoing Tamil Nadu assembly elections. The two arrived at a polling booth in T Nagar in Chennai to take part in the democratic process.

Suriya looked stylish in a black shirt paired with black sunglasses. Jyothika was seen in an elegant kurta-dupatta set as the couple greeted people before entering the booth.

Meanwhile, several leaders, including Chief Minister MK Stalin, TVK chief Vijay, DMK minister KN Nehru, along with actors Rajinikanth and Dhurv Vikram, cast their votes this morning.

Tamil Nadu witnessed massive voter turnout in Assembly polls on Thursday, recording 70.00% turnout at 3 pm, according to the Election Commission of India.

In Tamil Nadu, the highest turnout of 76.43% was recorded in Namakkal, closely followed by Karur at 76.08%, Salem at 75.79%, Erode at 75.61%, and Tiruppur at 75.38%. Other districts such as Dharmapuri (74.68%), Dindigul (74.35%), Kancheepuram (72.51%), Coimbatore (71.16%), Kallakurichi (71.11%), and Tiruchirappalli (71.05%) also reflected steady voter participation, contributing to the state's overall healthy turnout figures.

Extend polling hours: TVK chief Vijay tells EC

TVK chief Vijay requested the Election Commission to extend polling by two hours till 8 PM for the Assembly elections being held across 234 constituencies in Tamil Nadu.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Election Commissioner, he also urged for deployment of emergency public transport services to facilitate a large number of people to cast their votes.

"There are reports from polling stations of voters waiting in long queues to cast their votes, but the polling process is slow. Such delays would discourage and may affect voter turnout. There should be designated supervisory officers to visit polling booths regularly and ensure that the voting process is conducted efficiently without unnecessary delays," he said.

Meanwhile, TVK leaders 'Bussy' N Anand and Aadhav Arjuna accused the state administration and transport department of "orchestrating a systemic failure" by denying essential bus services to voters during the elections.

Tamil Nadu recorded 70 per cent voting as polling for elections to 234 assembly constituencies was underway across the state. According to Election Commission of India (EC) figures, voter turnout stood at exactly 70 per cent at 3 pm.

Salem district topped with 75.79 per cent voter turnout.

Chennai registered 68.13 per cent polling, while in Madurai it was 67.15 per cent, Coimbatore saw 71.16 per cent and the centrally located Tiruchirappalli district witnessed 71.05 percent polling.

Kolathur Assembly constituency in Chennai, where DMK President and Chief Minister M K Stalin is contesting, saw 70.24 polling till 3 pm.

At Chepauk-Tiruvallikeni here it was 67.68 per cent. Deputy CM and Stalin's son, Udhayanidhi is trying his luck for the second time from this city constituency. Similarly, Edappadi constituency in Salem recorded 75.84 per cent.

AIADMK general secretary and former chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami is contesting from his traditional turf and is being challenged by the DMK, while actor Vijay's TVK is backing an independent after the party nominee's poll papers were rejected on technical grounds during scrutiny.

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: Voters flock to booths across state to seal fate of 4,000 candidates in high-stakes assembly polls

Voters flocked to over 75,000 polling booths across Tamil Nadu on Thursday to elect a member of their choice for the state assembly in a triangular fight involving the ruling DMK, AIADMK and actor-politician Vijay's TVK, which is making serious attempts at denting the votebank of the established Dravidian majors.

Going by the Election Commission of India (EC) statistics, brisk polling was witnessed across 234 Assembly seats, with nearly 38 per cent of the 5.73 crore voters exercising their franchise by 11 am, the first fours of voting.

The key contenders for power are the ruling DMK and main opposition AIADMK while actor-politician Vijay-led TVK and Tamil nationalist Seeman-led NTK are putting up a determined fight.

Top leaders and celebrities arrived early at booths in Chennai, Salem, Coimbatore and Madurai among other cities to cast their votes, as the polling began at 7 am after EC officials successfully conducted mock polling.

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: 70% voter turnout recorded till 3 pm

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: Family that votes together, stays together, says this 3-generation family of 14

A three-generation family of 14 arrived together at Stella Maris College to cast their votes in the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly election.

The family, ranging from elderly patriarchs to first-time voters, stood in line as a single unit, drawing significant attention from fellow voters and media crews stationed at the high-profile polling booth.

Stella Maris College remains one of Chennai's most prominent polling locations, frequently hosting high-profile figures and large community groups.

Speaking to news agency PTI, outside the booth, the family members emphasised that voting together is a long-standing tradition in their family, meant to inspire the younger generation.

"We have been doing this for years. It is important that the grandchildren see us participate so they understand that their voice matters as much as ours," 63-year-old Jayanthi said.

Her son Shivraj (35) said, "Coming with the whole family makes it feel less like a chore and more like a celebration of our rights. We discussed the issues—like employment and law and order—at breakfast before coming here."

Polling is currently underway across all 234 constituencies in Tamil Nadu.

Clashes broke out between DMK and BJP workers at a polling station at Gandhimanagar on Thursday.Clashes started after DMK workers intercepted BJP district president Ramesh Kumar and engaged in a verbal altercation with him.

According to sources, Ramesh Kumar was visiting various polling stations in the city in an Election Commission-authorized vehicle to monitor the progress of voting.

As he approached the government school polling station in Gandhimanagar, police allowed his vehicle into the restricted zone near the booth.However, a group of more than ten DMK members, led by a man identified as Manikandan, intercepted Kumar’s vehicle and aggressively questioned his presence, asking who had authorized his entry.

The incident broke out between DMK and BJP workers at a polling station at Gandhimanagar on Thursday.Clashes started after DMK workers intercepted BJP district president Ramesh Kumar and engaged in a verbal altercation with him.According to sources, Ramesh Kumar was visiting various polling stations in the city in an Election Commission-authorized vehicle to monitor the progress of voting. As he approached the government school polling station in Gandhimanagar, police allowed his vehicle into the restricted zone near the booth.However, a group of more than ten DMK members, led by a man identified as Manikandan, intercepted Kumar’s vehicle and aggressively questioned his presence, asking who had authorized his entry.

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: CM Stalin's daughter, son-in-law cast vote in Chennai

Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin's daughter Senthamarai Stalin and son-in-law Sabarisan cast their votes at a polling station in Chennai.

The family members arrived at the polling booth and exercised their democratic right as voting progressed across the state.

Earlier in the day, CM Stalin said that Tamil Nadu will win as he exercised his right to vote at the polling station in Chennai, urging people to do the same.

"Just like I exercised my right, everyone must fulfil their democratic duty, it is important...Tamil Nadu will win," he said.

Along with CM, his wife Durga Stalin, Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin and other family members cast a vote at a polling station in Chennai on Thursday.

Udhayanidhi Stalin's wife Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi said, "Just come out and vote. I have been doing this for the last 25 years. My son is voting for the first time."

A sari-clad robot named ‘Tina’ became the star attraction at the Coimbatore Government Arts College polling station on Thursday. Designed and developed by the college's own students, the robot was deployed to greet voters and provide a tech-forward welcome to the democratic process.

Operated via joystick by student creators, Tina moved gracefully through the crowds, distributing toffees to people waiting to cast their ballots.

Clad in traditional Indian attire, the robot was part of a conscious effort by the student body to alleviate "election day anxiety" and spark public interest in emerging technologies.The initiative quickly became a viral sensation, drawing significant attention on social media and from the general public.

While the move aimed at making the voting experience more approachable, it was the first-time voters who showed the most enthusiasm.Groups of young adults were seen queuing up—not just for their turn at the booth, but to snap selfies and pose for photographs with their mechanical host.

District officials praised the students’ ingenuity, noting that such creative interventions help modernise the voting experience while maintaining a sense of cultural familiarity.

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: Man casts vote with wife in wedding attire 15 minutes after tying knot

At a polling station in Chennai's Kodambakkam, famously known as Tamil Nadu's tinsel town, it was not a Kollywood star who caught the attention of the voters waiting in line, but a bride and groom resplendent in their wedding attire -- in silk veshti (dhoti), silk saree and garland around their neck.

The newly-wed couple had come to cast their vote shortly after getting married.

The groom, Sunil, who works as an advocate, said they came rushing, only 15 minutes after tying the 'thali' (mangalsutra). "Because we are rushing against time, as my wife's vote is in Kallakurichi district. After here, we have to go there," Sunil told PTI Videos.

He said his wedding date had been fixed before the election dates were officially announced. "But, despite the scheduling overlap, I wanted to cast my vote, so did my wife. So, immediately after the ceremony, we came to the booth and did our duty as citizens," Sunil said.

He emphasised that voting is not merely a duty, but a responsibility that must be fulfilled.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Tamil Nadu state president K Annamalai on Thursday expressed concerns over the election process in Coimbatore South, even as he urged people to come out in large numbers to vote.

After casting his vote, Annamalai told news agency ANI,"We firmly believe that the election process is vitiated in Coimbatore South, but the Election Commission, in its wisdom, has gone out and conducted the election. It is our duty to support the Election Commission today. I hope people will come out in large numbers and vote. The whole process got vitiated in the last 3-4 days in various parts of the state. I don't think the Election Commission has done pre-poll work well...We have made a personal request, and also as an alliance, it is for the EC to decide how to go about it. We have done our political duty. Every political party is confident. At the end of the day, the people have seen 5 years of DMK..."

Earlier in the day, Annamalai cast his vote at a polling station located in PSG College of Arts and Science in Coimbatore.

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: Over 56.81% voter turnout recorded till 1pm

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: Polling halted in Nallipalayam as machine malfunctions

Polling was interrupted for nearly an hour in Namakkal district’s Nallipalayam after an EVM machine malfunctioned at one of the booths. Officials confirmed that the fault was detected during the morning session. The machine was later repaired following which the officials resumed the polling.

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: Actor Trisha, Vijay Sethupathi cast votes in Chennai, urge citizens to turn out

Actor Trisha Krishnan on Thursday cast her vote in Chennai.

The actress was seen arriving at the polling booth in a green cord set as she joined several prominent faces from the film fraternity who turned up at polling stations amid the ongoing Tamil Nadu assembly elections.

Actor Vijay Sethupathi also fulfilled his democratic duty in the Anna Nagar assembly constituency no 21 in Kilpauk Chennai high school and spoke about the importance of civic responsibility.

While speaking to the media, the actor said, "Everyone come and vote, this is our most important responsibility... Best wishes to all the youth."

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: DMDK’s Premalatha backs Stalin’s return, predicts big win for Secular Progressive Alliance

As voting for the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026 is underway, Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) general secretary Premalatha Vijayakanth expressed confidence in the ruling alliance's victory, stating that Chief Minister MK Stalin would return to power once again.

After casting her vote in the Virukambakkam constituency, Premalatha Vijayakanth showed her inked finger and said the Secular Progressive Alliance was heading towards a decisive win.

Speaking to reporters, Vijayakanth said, "The alliance (secular progressive alliance) is going to win this time. Brother Stalin is going to be the CM of Tamil Nadu again. There is no doubt about it, because I went all over Tamil Nadu for the campaign. Wherever I go, I am able to see the very big wish of the people for this alliance."

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: MK Stalin inspects DMK election war room in Chennai

Tamil Nadu chief minister and DMK president MK Stalin visited the party headquarters, Anna Arivalayam, to inspect the election war room set up for the 2026 Assembly polls.

According to the chief minister's office, Stalin checked the functioning of the control room and enquired about the calls received there. The war room has been set up to manage election-related coordination and to address queries and issues raised by party functionaries on the ground.

A dedicated control room has been established at Anna Arivalayam in Chennai to handle election coordination work. Party members have been given a phone number, 08069446900, to raise election-related questions, complaints, and feedback.

Officials said the system is aimed at improving communication within the party network and ensuring faster response to ground-level concerns during the election period.

Chennai recorded a modest voter turnout on Thursday morning, with the estimated polling percentage across the city’s 16 constituencies ranging between about 31% and 39% by 11 am, according to provisional figures released by the secretariat of the Election Commission of India.

Between 9 am and 11 am, voter turnout in all the 16 assembly constituencies in Chennai almost doubled, rising from the mid-teens to the mid-30s and brushing 40% in a few segments,

Virugambakkam and Thyagarayanagar continued to remain at the top of the chart at 39.27% and 39.08% respectively, while a clutch of central and northern constituencies trailed behind the district’s leading segments.

By 11am, Virugambakkam (39.27%) and Thyagarayanagar (39.08%) had the highest estimated turnout in the city, followed by Velachery (37.18%), Kolathur (37.06%), Anna Nagar (36.70%), Villivakkam (36.92%) and Perambur (36.26%), all of which were in the upper 30s.

At the other end, Thiru-Vi-Ka Nagar (31.37%), Royapuram (31.71%) and Mylapore (31.47%) were just above the 30% mark, while Egmore (34.28%), Harbour (34.32%), Chepauk–Thiruvallikeni (34.44%), Thousand Lights (35.65%) and Saidapet (34.38%) clustered in the mid-30% band.

A clash broke out inside booth number 139 at Arisipalayam in Salem during polling on Thursday, involving booth-level agents of the AIADMK and DMK.The incident occurred when M. Kandasamy of AIADMK and C. Senthil of DMK were speaking inside the polling station.According to eyewitnesses, Senthil was allegedly canvassing for the DMK when a misunderstanding triggered the confrontation.A woman voter, S. Loganayaki from the 27th ward, reportedly mistook their conversation as being directed at her.

Enraged, she began shouting at Kandasamy and, in the ensuing altercation, slapped him. Kandasamy retaliated, leading to a scuffle inside the booth. Loganayaki’s son, Vigneswaran, and her sister, M. Renuka, then joined in and allegedly attacked Kandasamy.

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: Sasikala casts vote in Chennai, urges high turnout in ‘festival of democracy’

VK Sasikala, founder and general secretary of AIPTMMK, cast her vote at a polling station in Stella Maris College in Chennai.

Calling it a “festival of democracy,” she appealed to voters across Tamil Nadu to exercise their franchise in large numbers without fail.

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: Over 37.56% voter turnout recorded till 11am