Chennai: Tamil Nadu witnessed steady and widespread voter participation during the Assembly elections on Thursday, with turnout reaching around 70 per cent by 3 pm, reflecting strong engagement across districts despite summer heat conditions.
Polling across all 234 constituencies progressed under tight security arrangements, with long queues reported from early morning in both urban and rural areas. By 11 am, the turnout had already crossed 37 per cent, indicating a consistent upward trend through the day.
Strong participation across districts
Several districts reported high turnout figures by the afternoon.
Namakkal led with over 76 per cent voting, followed by Erode, Ranipet, Tirupattur and Vellore, all recording participation above 70 per cent. Kallakurichi and Chengalpattu also showed steady turnout, while southern districts such as Kanniyakumari and Tirunelveli recorded comparatively lower but stable participation.
In Krishnagiri district, turnout crossed 70 per cent, with higher participation in semi-urban segments, while major urban centres saw relatively slower polling.
Coimbatore district also reported steady voting, with constituencies like Sulur and Kavundampalayam showing higher turnout compared to city segments.
The broad trend indicated strong participation across regions, with voters continuing to arrive at polling stations through the afternoon.
Largely smooth polling, isolated disruption
Polling remained largely peaceful across the state, though an isolated incident was reported from Poompuhar constituency in Mayiladuthurai district.
A police head constable on election duty was injured after being attacked inside a polling booth. Officials said the officer was taken to hospital and is in stable condition. Security was tightened in the area, and efforts are underway to trace the accused.
Apart from this, no major disruptions were reported, and voting continued in most constituencies without interruption.
Technology and voter experience
In a notable initiative, polling in parts of Vellore district saw the use of humanoid robots at select booths.
The robots greeted voters, provided basic instructions and guided them on facilities available at the polling stations, including assistance for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
Officials said the pilot initiative aimed to enhance voter experience and improve accessibility at polling centres.
Leaders and voters participate
Several political leaders and public figures cast their votes during the day, encouraging citizens to participate in the electoral process.
Voters across age groups were seen at polling booths, with visible participation from women, first-time voters and senior citizens.
However, in a village in Kollidam area, residents boycotted polling, raising concerns over lack of basic infrastructure such as roads and drinking water.
Political contest
The election is primarily centred around a contest between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance and the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance.
Other parties, including Naam Tamilar Katchi and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, have also added to the competitive landscape in several constituencies.
A total of 4,023 candidates are in the fray, with over 5.73 crore voters expected to determine the outcome.
Overall picture
Despite the isolated incident and localised concerns, polling remained largely orderly, supported by security deployment and administrative monitoring.
Officials said the steady turnout reflects active voter participation, with expectations that the final figures may rise further by the end of polling.
The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.
