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HIGHLIGHTS | Fate of EPS, Stalin sealed as Tamil Nadu votes for new government

DMK leader Kanimozhi, who had tested positive for coronavirus earlier, was among those who voted in the last hour of TN polls which was allotted for Covid patients.
Election officers sealed the EVM VVPAT machine at Perumalpuram in Tirunelveli. (Photo | EPS/V Karthikalagu)
Election officers sealed the EVM VVPAT machine at Perumalpuram in Tirunelveli. (Photo | EPS/V Karthikalagu)
Online Desk

On another sunny election day across TN, the face-off was between Dravidian arch-rivals AIADMK and DMK.

A campaign that saw the big guns from the power corridors of Delhi flying down to make their election pitches did miss the presence of the two stalwarts of Dravidian politics J Jayalalithaa and M Karunanidhi on the trail.

Neighbouring Puducherry and its outlying regions of Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam also voted. The contest there was between the Congress-led Secular Democratic alliance and the AINRC led NDA.

Tamil Nadu records 65.11 per cent , Puducherry 78.13 per cent till 7.11 PM

Duty over, let's get some beach breeze: Chennaiites forget Covid as crowds throng Marina beach

WATCH | Covid positive first time voter casts vote at Madipakkam

No wheelchairs, Braille ballots: Voters with disabilities complain about hardships in Chennai

Wheelchairs were either unavailable or in short supply for voters with locomotor impairment, while people with visual impairment said they were unable to vote independently. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

POLLING ENDS

The polling of sixteenth TN Assembly election ends. Votes will be counted in 75 centres on May 2.

AMMK, DMK cadre allegedly set fire to AIADMK man's bike

Covid positive Kanimozhi maybe, but then why should it come in the way of an interview?

'Enjoy Enjaami' sensation rapper-lyricist Arivu shows inked finger in fun Instagram reel

A post shared by Arivu (@therukural)

WATCH | Covid patient wearning PPE suit votes in 2021 TN Assembly Elections

Covid positive CPM candidate Gunasekaran cast vote wearing Covid safety kit

63.6 per cent voter turnout till 5 PM in Tamil Nadu

WATCH | Cops ready to facilitate voting for COVID-19 patients in Chennai

WATCH | Used mask, gloves strewn along length of polling centre school in Virudhunagar

Abu Dhabi techie on vacation back home in Tiruchy finds his vote stolen

  • R Ramesh Kumar, who works in a private firm in Abu Dhabi is on vacation in India and had come to vote at his allotted booth, Government Middle School in Mel Kalkandarkottai.

  • He was, however, in for a surprise after he provided the booth slip and ID card as polling officers informed him that his vote had already been cast.

  • Ramesh was later allowed to utilise the facility of tendered vote. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    • WHAT IS TENDERED VOTE

  • According to Section 49P of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, if a voter realises that someone has already voted in his/her name, they can approach the presiding officer at the polling booth and flag the issue.

  • Upon answering the presiding officer’s questions about their identity, the voter will be allowed to cast a 'tendered' vote.

  • Tender votes are cast on ballot papers and sealed and locked away.

  • However, these votes are counted only when the winning margin between the winning and runner-up candidate are slim. If there is a large difference, the tendered votes are not counted

    • Ajith’s mask and phone grabbing stunt, Vijay’s cycle set social media abuzz on polling day

    Were actors Ajith and Vijay delivering a message when they came to the polling booth to cast their votes on Tuesday?

    Ajith wore a mask in red and black -- the colours in the DMK flag -- to his booth in Thiruvanmiyur, while Vijay came on a bicycle painted in red and black to a booth in Neelankarai. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Covid norms violated in many places. Check out this 'forehead' mask

    An elderly man wears face mask for his head without covering nose and mouth while waiting to vote. (Photo | EPS/KK Sundar)
    An elderly man wears face mask for his head without covering nose and mouth while waiting to vote. (Photo | EPS/KK Sundar)

    WATCH | AIADMK's Gokula Indira alleges DMK agents of canvassing inside poll booths

    Thala, Thalapathy and Thalaivar: Glimpses of star power from Tamil Nadu voting booths

    It was not just the Sun that was shining in TN. From Thala, the Thalapathy to the Thalaivar, stars were out in full force too. Check out this gallery of TN's star power stepping out to vote

    CLICK HERE TO SEE GALLERY

    WATCH | TMMK's John Pandian optimistic of win in Egmore

    Voting to remain open between 6 pm and 7 pm too: CEO Sahoo

    With only a few Covid-19 patients going to vote, the Election Commission said the general public will be allowed to cast their votes between 6 pm and 7 pm too.

    The last 60 minutes of polling time had earlier been set aside exclusively for Covid-19 patients.

    "The State has 88,937 polling booths and the number of Covid-19 patients aren't too many. Public will be allowed to vote between 6 pm and 7 pm. Covid-19 patients will be allowed to cast their votes in the end. Officials and patients will be provided with PPE kits," said Chief Electoral Officer Satyabrata Sahoo.

    The EC has procured 12 PPE kits for every polling booth.

    Residents of a street in Chennai's Harbour constituency allege they have not been allowed to vote due to lack of booth slips

    Residents of Harbour Constituency say a full street with booth at Measi School have not been allowed to vote due to lack of booth slips. The residents said they voted in the same booth in previous polls. (Photo | EPS/ Sri Loganathan V)
    Residents of Harbour Constituency say a full street with booth at Measi School have not been allowed to vote due to lack of booth slips. The residents said they voted in the same booth in previous polls. (Photo | EPS/ Sri Loganathan V)

    Where is social distancing? Scene at a polling booth in Chennai

    No Social distance maintained during the voting, at Mylapore, in Chennai. (Photo | R.Satish Babu)
    No Social distance maintained during the voting, at Mylapore, in Chennai. (Photo | R.Satish Babu)

    WATCH | Tension in Bodinayakanur as DMK cadres allegedly pelt stones at Theni MP Ravindranath's car

    READ FULL REPORT HERE

    Inmates of Chennai's Institute of Mental Health cast votes at special booth on premises

    Inmates of the Institute of Mental Health cast their votes on Tuesday at the special booth set up by the Chennai Corporation on the premises.

    The polling of votes at booth number 244B in Villivakkam Assembly Constituency began around 7 am. A total of 84 inmates were registered in the booth, among whom 56 were men and 28 were women.

    The inmates were selected for voting only after doctors assessed their decision-making ability.

    (Read More)

    53.35 per cent voter turnout till 3 pm in Tamil Nadu

    Tamil Nadu has recorded 53.35 per cent voter turnout till 3 PM, says state Chief Electoral Officer Satyabrata Sahoo.

  • Namakkal district which has been witnessing higher voter turnout since 7 am, recorded 59.73 percentage of votes till 3 pm.

  • Following Namakkal, Karur and Kallakuruchi districts received highest vote share with 58.62 and 58.14 percentage respectively.

  • Least number of votes polled in Tirunelveli district with 41.58 percentage. In Chennai, 46.46 percentage of votes polled.

  • A total of 559 VVPAT machines replaced across the State due to malfunctioning.

  • Similarly, 174 ballot units and 134 control units also replaced after the machines develoed glitches

    • 300 villagers in Virudhunagar's Malli village refuse to cast vote over a water canal issue

    Voters refuse to cast vote at polling booth located in SC area in Annaji, Theni

    2,100 Kamuthakudi villagers boycott polls

  • Sources said that a railway gate that connected the village was removed two years ago, due to the construction of an over-bridge. The move forced the villagers to take a detour of atleast three kilometres to reach the village, sources added.

  • A week ago, the villagers had decided to boycott polls and hoisted black flags atop their houses as their issue was not resolved despite repeated demands for two years.

  • On Tuesday, as earlier announced, the villagers boycotted polls.

  • Local sources said that only eight votes were polled in the village till noon, including that of six polling personnel and DMDK candidate M Selvi.

    • No proper facilities for senior citizens, physically challenged at booths in Madurai

    Will work with new govt to free TN temples, says Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev after casting vote

    WATCH | Villivakkam MNM candidate flags voter impersonation at a booth, voter testifies

    Polling halted in Krishnapuram village booth after NTK cadre allege Control Unit, VVPAT changed without informing, resumes later

  • Polling at booth 15A(W) located at Krishnapuram village was temporarily stopped after NTK cadre alleged that the Control Unit and VVPAT in one booth has been changed without informing them.

  • Officials stated that as the machines first used were found to be having faults, one of the reserved machines was used.

  • Polling has resumed in the booth

    • Polling stopped in a booth in Virudhunagar after voter alleges EVM fraud, resumes after model polling finds no issue

  • Polling was stopped at a booth in Virudhunagar town after a voter alleged that otes are being casted for BJP no matter what button was pressed.

  • Later a model polling with 20 persons was conducted in which votes were recorded correctly.

  • Both the parties came to an agreement that it might have been the voter's oversight.

  • Polling has resumed in the booth

    • Man loses consciousness in polling booth after casting vote and dies in Thanjavur

    A 65 year old voter K Arjunan of Ayyampettai in Papanasam constituency in Thanjavur district swooned outside polling booth, after casting his vote, and rushed to hospital where he was pronounced brought dead.

    EC seeks report from DEO on Thondamuthur DMK candidate Sivasenapathy's complaint of being prevented to enter booth

    In a first, hotels and restaurants shut across Tamil Nadu on polling day

    Hotels and restaurants across the state were shut for the first time during the state assembly elections to allow the workers to cast their vote, according to Dr M Venkadasubbu, President Tamil Nadu Hotels and Restaurants Association. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    39.61 per cent voter turnout till 1 PM in TN; 53.76 per cent in Puducherry

    Voter turnout till 1 PM in Tamil Nadu is 39.61 per cent while in Puducherry it its 53.76 per cent, reports ANI.

    Nari Kurava voters exercise their franchise at Puducherry polling booth

    People belonging to Nari Kurava community after casting their vote at Puducherry at Maruthi school on tuesday on the day of assembly elelction. (G Pattabi Raman/EPS)
    People belonging to Nari Kurava community after casting their vote at Puducherry at Maruthi school on tuesday on the day of assembly elelction. (G Pattabi Raman/EPS)

    DMK's A Raja casts his vote

    DMK Deputy General Secretary and Nilgiris MP A Raja cast his vote in Vellore village in Perambalur district. (Photo | EPS)
    DMK Deputy General Secretary and Nilgiris MP A Raja cast his vote in Vellore village in Perambalur district. (Photo | EPS)

    AUDIO | Actor Vijay's spokesperson on why the former chose for a cycle ride to the polling booth

    Dhinakaran casts vote

    AMMK general secretary TTV Dinakaran casts his vote with his family at a school in Adyar. (Photo | EPS)
    AMMK general secretary TTV Dinakaran casts his vote with his family at a school in Adyar. (Photo | EPS)

    Another incident of EVM malfunctioning, this time in Tiruchy

    Minor scuffle at Seventh Day Adventist school in Tiruchy city after repeated malfunctioning of EVM here. Several times it was said that no beep sound was heard or indication light came up. This worried voters in long queues as they had to wait for a long time. (Photo | EPS)
    Minor scuffle at Seventh Day Adventist school in Tiruchy city after repeated malfunctioning of EVM here. Several times it was said that no beep sound was heard or indication light came up. This worried voters in long queues as they had to wait for a long time. (Photo | EPS)

    WATCH VIDEO | Social distancing norms violated at Adyar polling booth

    Former destitute casts his vote

    A 40- year old Arul a destitute who was rescued five years ago casted his vote for the first time at Gundur polling centre in Tiruchy. Including Arul 58 other rescued destitute persons casted their votes in Tiruchy on Tuesday. (Photo | EPS)
    A 40- year old Arul a destitute who was rescued five years ago casted his vote for the first time at Gundur polling centre in Tiruchy. Including Arul 58 other rescued destitute persons casted their votes in Tiruchy on Tuesday. (Photo | EPS)

    Clash between AIADMK, AMMK cadre in Virudhanagar

    Voter challenges false polling under his name

    Another incident of COVID norms flouting

  • In Ramanathapuram, at Mandapam Panchayat Union Middle School, Chinna Palam, the cramped polling station so far had voters from one ward, say locals.

  • There was only one booth. This time, three wards with nearly 1,900 voters have been brought under the polling station. So, two booths this time.

  • As a result, voters who thronged the polling station in the morning hours to avoid heatwave after 12 pm, were forced to flout physical distancing norms.

    • WATCH | First-time voters share their experiences

    DMK candidate alleges wasn't allowed to enter booth

    Thondamuthur constituency DMK candidate Karthikeya Sivasenapathi submits a petition with the Collector S Nagarajan claiming that he was prevented from entering into polling booth 132, Selvapuram by members of BJP and AIADMK.. Before submitting the petition, he staged road roko in front of polling booth.

    Polling happening peacefully: Senior Kolathur cop

    A senior cop inspecting the booths in Kolathur said that the polling is happening peacefully and without any hiccups. Flying squads along with video surveillance teams inspecting booths of political parties set up 100 metres from polling stations.

    No message behind Vijay's cycling act: Actor's spokesperson

    A spokesperson representing Actor Vijay says he cycled to the polling booth only because it was very close to his house and the lane is too narrow to allow a car.

    No work, no votes: Tribal hamlets in Pennagaram constituency boycott elections

  • Three tribal hamlets in Pennagaram constituency including Kottur, Alakattu and Eriyur boycotted the election, as their demand for roads are left unanswered.

  • Three of the most remote hamlets in Dharmapuri district have boycotted election on polling day alleging that their long demand for road has not been fulfilled.

  • The tribal hamlets have a total of two polling booths, with a total of 656 voters.

  • Speaking to TNIE, Pennagaram returning officer Thanikachalam said, at present we are holding talks with the residents and we hope for a peaceful resolution.

    • Gross negligence of COVID norms in polling booths

  • Though circles were drawn, social distancing and other safety measures were given a skip. Some constituencies provided plastic gloves and masks, others were just providing hand sanitisers.

  • Many of them took the safety kits with them, so the official figures mentioning the waste generated at the end of the day might be lower.

    • Close to 27 per cent polling across Tamil Nadu till 11 AM

    Another polling booth, but repeat of same story

    Zero social distancing and no gloves provided for voters in Government School in Besant Nagar. (Photo | EPS)
    Zero social distancing and no gloves provided for voters in Government School in Besant Nagar. (Photo | EPS)

    WATCH | Fuelling a price-hike discussion? Reason behind actor Vijay's cycle ride

    Huge amount of women voters come out in Chennai booths to exercise their franchise

  • Electors, especially women, turnout to vote in large numbers in booths located in areas in Chennai (such as TVK Nagar, Perambur, Egmore, Kolathur, Chepauk) where ppl of economically weaker sections and middle class live.

  • Lot of them were seen getting down from buses and autos (on Paper Mills Road in Kolathur) in the scorching sun.

  • Voters in relatively smaller polling stations in the above-mentioned areas didn't have parking facilities, some were bigger and still vehicles weren't allowed inside.

  • Voters were forced to park their vehicles on roads and footpaths.

    • Polling official dies

    An official in polling duty died of heart attack at Karaiyur booth in Thirupattur constituency, Sivaganga.

    IN PICS | Vaathi Coming moment for Vijay fans on polling day

    Social distancing seems to be tough thing to implement in polling booths

  • Social distancing was found lacking in several booths under Chengalpattu.

  • Volunteers at St Marks school in Chromepet said that no wheelchair was available. At the Greenvalley school in Chromepet voting began after a 45 minute delay due to faulty EVMs. Social distancing was not followed here either.

  • At the Seventh day Adventist school in Tambaram, volunteers had a tough time asking voters to dispose the polythene gloves in the yellow collection bag. Several used gloves were seen strewn on the ground.

  • A wheelchair was only brought in at 10:30 am before which several senior citizens and persons with disabilities had already voted.

  • At Valluvar Gurukulam school, Tambaram- no social distancing.

  • Sisters of our lady of Fathima holy angels- a 80 year old lady had to be lifted up the stairs by her son and daughter in law after the only available wheelchair was occupied. No social distancing.

    • WATCH | Vijay's cycle ride finds fan following in Pudukkottai

    Unique attempt by AIADMK cadres

    AIADMK party cadres taking cell phones inside polling booth and photographing their votes casted to MR Vijayabaskar. (Photo | EPS)
    AIADMK party cadres taking cell phones inside polling booth and photographing their votes casted to MR Vijayabaskar. (Photo | EPS)

    Khushbu hits out at DMK

    "We have found people from DMK distributing money to voters. We have complained to the Election Commission. DMK would want to win by hook or by crook," said the BJP candidate from Thousand Lights Assembly constituency, Chennai.

    CM Palaniswami casts his vote

  • Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami casts his vote at Siluvampalayam polling booth in Edappadi assembly constituency. Before going to polling booth at Siluvampalayam (no.172, Panchayat Union primary school).

  • Palaniswami paid floral tributes to former Chief Ministers MGR, Jayalalithaa and his mother Thavusayammal at his residence.

  • After that Chief Minister along with his family members walked to the polling booth.

  • At the entrance of the booth health officials checked temperature and provided sanitizer and gloves to the Chief Minister and his family members.

  • After that they waited in the queue along with general public and cast their votes.

  • The Chief Minister cast his votes with his grandson. Speaking to media persons, Chief Minister said all the voters to cast their votes and to fulfill their Democratic duty.

    • Congress candidate protests at Coimbatore

    Coimbatore South Constituency Congress candidate Mayura Jayakumar, Naam Tamilar Party candidate Abdul Wahab stage protest at Vaisiyal Street alleging BJP candidate Vanathi Srinivasan for distributing token to Voters. (Photo | EPS)
    Coimbatore South Constituency Congress candidate Mayura Jayakumar, Naam Tamilar Party candidate Abdul Wahab stage protest at Vaisiyal Street alleging BJP candidate Vanathi Srinivasan for distributing token to Voters. (Photo | EPS)

    Social distancing goes for a toss

    Social distancing is grossly compromised at a polling booth in Tiruvannamalai government arts and science college falling under Tiruvannamalai assembly segment. (Photo | EPS)
    Social distancing is grossly compromised at a polling booth in Tiruvannamalai government arts and science college falling under Tiruvannamalai assembly segment. (Photo | EPS)

    Social distancing goes for a toss

    Social distancing is grossly compromised at a polling booth in Tiruvannamalai government arts and science college falling under Tiruvannamalai assembly segment, while distribution of hand gloves, face masks, and checking of temperature and sanitizing hands were carried out here. (Photo | EPS)
    Social distancing is grossly compromised at a polling booth in Tiruvannamalai government arts and science college falling under Tiruvannamalai assembly segment, while distribution of hand gloves, face masks, and checking of temperature and sanitizing hands were carried out here. (Photo | EPS)

    Tension in Tamil Nadu village

    Tension prevailed in Vidathilampatti village in Manapparai after residents staged demo and announced election boycott over prolonging water woes. However after officials pacified the crowd with assurance of swift action. Polling continued calmly in the polling centre. (Photo | EPS)
    Tension prevailed in Vidathilampatti village in Manapparai after residents staged demo and announced election boycott over prolonging water woes. However after officials pacified the crowd with assurance of swift action. Polling continued calmly in the polling centre. (Photo | EPS)

    Hotels, restaurants closed across Tamil Nadu

    Hoteliers in Karur faced a tough time in the morning unable to serve huge customers who turned up after voting. Majority of the hotels closed their outlets by 10 AM as all the food got over in no time. Many voters left disappointed unable to have their breakfast. (Photo | EPS)
    Hoteliers in Karur faced a tough time in the morning unable to serve huge customers who turned up after voting. Majority of the hotels closed their outlets by 10 AM as all the food got over in no time. Many voters left disappointed unable to have their breakfast. (Photo | EPS)

    Update from Thoothukudi

  • Thoothukudi district having six assembly constituencies registered an average of 6.64 per cent polling as per 9 am.

  • Constituency wise data shows, Vilathikulam 3.38 per cent, Thoothukudi 12.46 per cent, Tiruchendur 4.5 per cent, Srivaikunkam 5.42 per cent, Ottapidaram 4.14 per cent and Kovilpatti 8.43 per cent.

    • VCK chief casts his vote

    Viduthalai Chiruthai Katchi Chief and Chidambaram MP Thol Thirumavalavan cast his vote in Anganur village in Ariyalur district. (Photo | EPS)
    Viduthalai Chiruthai Katchi Chief and Chidambaram MP Thol Thirumavalavan cast his vote in Anganur village in Ariyalur district. (Photo | EPS)

    When polling booths follow shopping mall way

    One stop shop! 12 booths in one location. Everwin Vidyashram TVK NAGAR Constituency. (Photo | EPS)
    One stop shop! 12 booths in one location. Everwin Vidyashram TVK NAGAR Constituency. (Photo | EPS)

    All about former AIADMK's charges against polling officials

  • Former AIADMK minister Thoppu ND Venkatachalam contesting as an independent candidate in Perundurai constituency in Erode district, has accused the authorities for changing the order of the EVM machines in more than 30 centers in the constituency and brought his symbol from 18th place to second place.

  • The 16 places in the first EVM must have candidates of recognized parties, followed by other independent candidates.

  • According to Venkatachalam, his name should have been in the second place in the second EVM (18th position).

  • But in several booths his name is in the second position overall as the officials have interchanged the EVM machines and it has caused confusion among his supporters.

  • He said they are trying to defeat him as he has a chance to win.

    • Vaiko casts his vote

    13.8 per cent polling registered in Tamil Nadu till 9 am

    Dindigul district registered the highest polling percentage of 20.23 percentage followed by Namakkal (16.55 % ) and Salem (15.6 .%) Tirunelveli district registered the lowest polling percentage of 9.98 percentage. Chennai registered the second-lowest polling percentage with 10.58 percentage and Chengalpet with the third lowest of 11.66 percentage. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

    News from Salem

    Due to the Pressure Cooker symbol button not worked in an EVM, in a polling booth ( No.178 CSI School booth) at Attur (SC) assembly constituency, Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) candidate Madeswaran staged dharna in the polling booth. Following this, polling was stopped in that booth. Later officials solved the issue in the EVM and after 30 minutes polling resumed in that booth now.

    Polling officials suffer heart attack

    Two poll officers suffer heart attack in Vellore region- Ambur DSP CK Sachidanantham and Katpadi constituency zonal officer Jayaraj rushed to hospitals after suffering heart attack.

    Eight voter cards for family, but only two names on the electoral roll

    Ritesh Jain, Otteri resident, Egmore (SC) constituency. has eight cards in the family, but only two names on the list. All eight voted in the 2019 general elections. Official sources in 2M,2AW booth on Bricklin Road in Otteri say there are several such complaints.

    Former AIADMK minister accuses the authorities of changing the EVMs in more than 30 centers in his constituency

    Former AIADMK minister Thoppu ND Venkatachalam contesting as an independent candidate in Perundurai constituency in Erode district, has accused the authorities for changing the voting machines in more than 30 centers in the constituency and changing his symbol from 18th to 2nd, to create confusion among voters.

    Scenes from Tiruchy

    Fearing the heatwave warning resident especially senior citizens at large showed up in the early hours itself to cast their votes in Tiruchy. (Photo | EPS)
    Fearing the heatwave warning resident especially senior citizens at large showed up in the early hours itself to cast their votes in Tiruchy. (Photo | EPS)

    Tension at Coimbatore

    Flutter observed as AIADMK and DMK members play blame game of staying inside booth and canvassing voters. Police personnel removes them from the polling booth, at Government Girls High School on Kottur Road in Pollachi, Coimbatore on Tuesday. (Photo | Deepak Sathish/EPS)
    Flutter observed as AIADMK and DMK members play blame game of staying inside booth and canvassing voters. Police personnel removes them from the polling booth, at Government Girls High School on Kottur Road in Pollachi, Coimbatore on Tuesday. (Photo | Deepak Sathish/EPS)

    More Inputs on latest Tamil Nadu poll figures

    Replace EVMs with Ballot Papers: Seeman

    Leaders, after casting votes, used to give ‘democratic’ messages; but Naam Thamizhar Katchi leader Seeman strikes a difference; after casting his vote at Valasaravakkam booth, he said, "EVMs should be replaced by ballot papers as it gives room for defects; even those countries which invented this machine do not use it; when our students go for NEET examination, they are being asked to remove even nose rings they wear giving an impression that they could used for copying; but government asks us to believe that the EVMs cannot be tampered with. It is indeed a sad thing happening."

    Narayansasamy casts his vote

    V. Narayansasamy, former CM after casting his vote at missio street, puducherry on Tuesday. (Photo | G Pattabi Raman/EPS)
    V. Narayansasamy, former CM after casting his vote at missio street, puducherry on Tuesday. (Photo | G Pattabi Raman/EPS)

    Dindigul records highest voter turnout in Tamil Nadu so far

    13.08 per cent polling across Tamil Nadu so far

    WATCH VIDEO | Actor Vijay's unique way to reach polling booth

    Elderly and differently abled voters face inconvenience in Tamil Nadu

    Lack of wheelchairs in many polling booths has made the elderly and differently abled persons wait for a long time to cast their vote in Karur district. (Photo | EPS)
    Lack of wheelchairs in many polling booths has made the elderly and differently abled persons wait for a long time to cast their vote in Karur district. (Photo | EPS)

    BJP's Vanathi Srinivasan casts her vote

    Coimbatore South Constituency BJP candidate Vanathi Srinivasan casts her vote Kamarajar Metric School at Tatabad, Coimbatore. (Photo | EPS)
    Coimbatore South Constituency BJP candidate Vanathi Srinivasan casts her vote Kamarajar Metric School at Tatabad, Coimbatore. (Photo | EPS)

    MNM chief takes on electoral malpractices

    The next course of action is to educate people about this cash distribution, how disastrous it is for their lives and democracy. The money dolling out politicians put the blame on the people. This is a vicious circle and we are trying to make it virtuous: Kamal Haasan.

    Come out and vote, says Udhayanidhi

    I appeal to all to come out and cast their votes, says DMK's Udhayanidhi Stalin who is contesting from the Chepauk assembly constituency.

    MWA Matric School in Thousand Lights constituency. Polling yet to pick up pace. None to distribute safety gears.
    MWA Matric School in Thousand Lights constituency. Polling yet to pick up pace. None to distribute safety gears.

    Another incident of polling getting stopped due to technical reason

    SStalin, son Udhayanidhi cast their votes

    BJP candidate Annamalai casts his vote

    Aravakurichi constituency BJP candidate Annamalai casted his vote at the Thottampatti Panchayat Union primary school in Karur. (Photo | EPS)
    Aravakurichi constituency BJP candidate Annamalai casted his vote at the Thottampatti Panchayat Union primary school in Karur. (Photo | EPS)

    More EVM Malfunctioning reported in Tamil Nadu

    Polling delayed for one hour in the villages of Kottarakundru, Pommanabadi, Vellore (Perambalur constituency)and Vaithaiyanathapuram and Karkudi (Kunnam Constituency) due to technical issue in EVM machines.

    WATCH | OPS says AIADMK will form next Tamil Nadu government

    Actor Ajith casts his vote

    Actor Ajith casts his vote

    Telangana Governor and and Puducherry L-G casts her vote

    Telangana governor and Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Tamilisai Soundarajan casted his vote at Clarence Matriculation school in Virugampakkam, Chennai. (Photo | EPS)
    Telangana governor and Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Tamilisai Soundarajan casted his vote at Clarence Matriculation school in Virugampakkam, Chennai. (Photo | EPS)

    Polling delayed for an hour in Salem

    Due to technical issues in EVM, polling delayed for one hour in a polling booth (Omalur town booth) at Omalur assembly constituency in Salem district. Polling started at 8 p.m., after issues solved.

    Tamil Nadu Minister casts vote

    Municipal Administration Minister and Thondamuthur Constituency ADMK candidate casted his vote at Sugunapuram High School at Thondamuthur Constituency in Coimbatore. (Photo | EPS)
    Municipal Administration Minister and Thondamuthur Constituency ADMK candidate casted his vote at Sugunapuram High School at Thondamuthur Constituency in Coimbatore. (Photo | EPS)

    Pon Radhakrishnan casts his vote

    BJP candidate Pon Radhakrishnan for Kanniyakumari Lok Sabha bypoll casts his vote at the polling station in SLB girls high school, Nagecoil. (Photo | EPS)
    BJP candidate Pon Radhakrishnan for Kanniyakumari Lok Sabha bypoll casts his vote at the polling station in SLB girls high school, Nagecoil. (Photo | EPS)

    News from Tiruchy

    In few polling booths in Tiruchy city, voters were turned away by the deployed CRPF officials for carrying mobile phones.

    Confusion at Royapuram

    Many residents were initially turned away in Royapuram as they didn’t have booth slips but police personnel entered in to help the residents cast their votes.

    Update from Chennai

    In abscene of booth slips, several residents who came early to cast their votes were turned away asking for their roll number. The residents were then made to search for their roll number online that were kept by the political parties outside. Most of the booths were lying idle for at least 10-15 minutes after the polls began at 7 am in Nanganallur in Chennai.

    Update from Vellore

    EVM glitches reported from eight booths, rectified shortly, and polling began.

    Social distancing goes for a toss in Erode district

    (Photo | EPS)
    (Photo | EPS)

    More Tamil Nadu booths face delays due to EVM malfunctions

    Due to some technical issues in EVM, polling delayed in two polling booths in Veerapandi and in Salem West assembly constituency.

    Opposition upbeat about coming into power in Tamil Nadu

    I have been getting reports of high voter turnout from across the State. This vote is against the ruling party, says DMK President MK Stalin.

    Tamil Nadu elections: How women in politics barely break the glass ceiling

    S Meenalogu was just another woman in Coimbatore until 1996. The subsequent year, she set foot in the political arena, just to assist her councillor husband, a DMK member, in grassroots politics. Call it coincidence or providence, the world conspired in her favour and Rathinapuri (ward number 49) was reserved for women in 2006. The now 47-year-old won from the ward twice and went on to contest the 2016 Assembly elections from Coimbatore (North) on a DMK ticket. Though she lost by nearly 8,000 votes, she was called a 'firebrand' in her guild for daringly upbraiding biggies in the party for lack of cooperation during the polls. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

    Puducherry: NR Congress chief casts his vote

    Tamil Nadu Speaker trashes opinion polls

    Tamil Nadu assembly speaker P Dhanapal, who is contesting in the Avinashi assembly constituency, cast his vote at Gugai Higher secondary school at Linemedu in Salem City. Speaking to media persons about opinion polls Dhanapal said, " I have no belief in opinion polls. AIADMK will surely win and Edappadi K Palaniswami will be the Chief Minister again."

    WATCH | NR Congress chief visits Puducherry temple

    EVM machine malfunctions in Royapuram

    EVM machine malfunctions in Royapuram. Voting delayed as many senior citizens wait for an hour since 7 am. (Photo | EPS)
    EVM machine malfunctions in Royapuram. Voting delayed as many senior citizens wait for an hour since 7 am. (Photo | EPS)

    Kamal Hassan casts his vote

    MNM president Kamal Hassan shows his finger after casting vote at Teynampet in Chennai on Tuesday. (Photo | Debadatta Mallick/EPS)
    MNM president Kamal Hassan shows his finger after casting vote at Teynampet in Chennai on Tuesday. (Photo | Debadatta Mallick/EPS)

    Tamil Nadu polls: Some key stats

    Polling booths still under prepared for implementation of COVID-19 protocols

    Several booths do not have enough volunteers to distribute gloves, hand sanitisers to the voters. Officials said the volunteers would be deployed soon.

    Tamil Nadu voters, all you need to know about NOTA

    Update from Karur

    DMK's Karur constituency candidate Senthil Balaji casted his vote at the Puthupalayam Government Primary school in Karur Panchayat Union alongside Karur MP Jothimani. (Photo | EPS)
    DMK's Karur constituency candidate Senthil Balaji casted his vote at the Puthupalayam Government Primary school in Karur Panchayat Union alongside Karur MP Jothimani. (Photo | EPS)

    As polls arrive, demand for ‘give and take’ on rise

    On Monday, a few residents of Pattanam village in Rasipuram Assembly constituency staged a road roko brazenly demanding money from political parties in return for their votes. The protesters raised slogans questioning why they had not received a single rupee from the parties yet. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

    Thalaivar casts his vote

    IN PICS | First election In Tamil Nadu in post-COVID period

    Chidambaram among the early voters

    Tamil Nadu elections: Make-or-break battle for EPS and Stalin

    The electorate of the State has been deprived of its trusted choices of M Karunanidhi and J Jayalalithaa, and the popular choice is now between DMK’s MK Stalin and AIADMK’s Edappadi K Palaniswami. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

    Tamil Nadu Polls: Red or Green, who will sweep Delta clean?

    While the AIADMK candidates emphasised on the pro-agriculture measures taken by Palaniswami such as Kudimaramathu works, declaration of the Delta region as a Protected Zone, waiver of crop loans, the DMK speakers countered it by listing the ill-effects of farm laws, the support AIADMK MPs extended to it in the Parliament, improper execution of loan waiver, and the threat posed by the Electricity (amendment) Bill to free power supply. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

    Time for voters to have their say in Tamil Nadu

    A total of 3,998 candidates have taken position after high-octane political campaigning reached a heady crescendo during the last few days before one of the most riveting poll battles in the history of Tamil Nadu, scheduled for today. They will be vying for the preference of 3,19,39,112 women, 3,09,23,651 men and 7,192 transgender people to be elected across 234 constituencies to the 16th Legislative Assembly. (READ FULL EDITORIAL Here)

    Polling starts

    Voting begins for the single-phase polling in Puducherry and Tamil Nadu.

    Explained: How to vote using EVM?

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