CHENNAI: With exit polls predicting the possibility of a razor-thin margin of victory in the 2026 Assembly elections, political tension has peaked in Tamil Nadu. On the eve of the results, the ruling DMK and the opposition AIADMK have approached Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Archana Patnaik with a flurry of complaints, each accusing the other of attempting to compromise the integrity of Monday’s counting process.
DMK organisation secretary RS Bharathi, in his representation to the CEO, alleged that the DMK has credible information that the BJP and other parties acting at its behest may attempt to create ruckus at the counting centres and nearby sensitive locations, including party offices, to disrupt the counting process.
Stating that such orchestrated, large-scale law and order issues may seriously affect a free and fair electoral process, Bharathi urged the CEO to take all steps to ensure maintenance of peace, public order and the integrity of the counting process across TN on Monday.
Talking to reporters in Chennai, Bharathi said the ECI should operate above suspicion, given the many complaints about the commission’s activities in other states. “However, the DMK is ready to face any eventualities,” he added.
Meanwhile, AIADMK Advocates Wing secretary IS Inbadurai has complained to the Chief Election Commissioner, CEO, and the Special Observer, alleging misuse of press passes to gain unauthorised access to counting centres.
He claimed certain individuals linked to the DMK IT Wing sought press accreditation, with some officials allegedly issuing passes to non-media persons. Cautioning that this could compromise transparency and affect the level playing field, he sought immediate verification of passes, strict scrutiny, cancellation of irregular passes, and fixing of accountability on the officials to ensure a free, fair, and credible counting process.
Stalin pays homage at dad’s memorial, Edappadi reaches Chennai from Salem
Meanwhile, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar held a review meeting with the counting observers through video conference on the arrangements made for the counting of votes in four states, including Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry Union Territory.
CEO Archana Patnaik also reviewed the arrangements being made for the counting day. As a first-time initiative, the ECI has introduced a QR code-based Photo Identity Card system through ECINET to prevent unauthorised entry into counting centres.
At the third and innermost security checkpoint, entry will be permitted only upon successful verification through QR code scanning. The counting will start at 8 am with the postal ballot counting, followed by the EVM counting at 8.30 am.
The round-wise results of all the Assembly constituencies will be announced by the concerned Returning Officer using the public address system at the respective centre, and the same will be reflected in the ECINET app. The results can also be viewed from the portal results.eci.gov.in.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister and DMK president MK Stalin visited the memorial of his father and former CM M Karunanidhi and paid homage on Sunday. AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami reached Chennai from Salem on Sunday evening.
