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Tamil Nadu News

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Chennai sees 83.71% turnout, but 19,600 skip postal ballots
Politics

Chennai sees 83.71% turnout, but 19,600 skip postal ballots

Chennai district recorded an 83.71% voter turnout in the Assembly election, even as a large gap emerged in postal voting by government employees and police personnel, according to election data. Across the city’s 16 Assembly constituencies, Chennai has 28,93,505 voters, including 74,089 first-time voters who have turned 18. Of the total electorate, 24,22,097 votes were polled. The turnout marks a sharp rise compared with the 2021 Assembly election, when 24,03,495 votes were cast out of about 40 lakh voters, translating to 59.24%. Compared with 2021, Chennai recorded 18,602 more votes this time, and 2,41,504 more votes than the 2024 Lok Sabha election tally of 21,80,593.

Heavy voter turnout across Tamil Nadu sparks parties’ speculation
Politics

Heavy voter turnout across Tamil Nadu sparks parties’ speculation

Polling across Tamil Nadu saw unusually large crowds at booths, with voters lining up from morning to cast their ballots. Officials had set up 75,064 polling stations across the state. Elderly voters, women and young people were seen waiting for long hours, a turnout described as unlike previous elections. In several districts, the daytime heat was intense, but it did not deter voters from arriving in large numbers. The scale of participation has left political parties debating what it signifies—whether it reflects a “silent revolution” by voters, the impact of a tight contest, heightened youth interest, an early sign of change, or a broader wave of support.

Tamil Nadu Assembly polls: 2026 records highest voter turnout at 84.69%
Politics

Tamil Nadu Assembly polls: 2026 records highest voter turnout at 84.69%

Tamil Nadu recorded its highest-ever voter turnout in the 2026 Assembly election, with 84.69% of eligible voters casting their ballots. The previous peak turnout was seen in 2011, when the state registered 78.29% polling. Recent elections had lower participation, including 74.24% in 2016 and 72.73% in 2021. Historical figures show turnout has varied widely over the decades. It stood at 70.65% in 1962, rose to 76.57% in 1967, and dipped to 59.07% in 2001.

DMK’s Senthil Balaji skips vote, stays in Coimbatore on polling day
Politics

DMK’s Senthil Balaji skips vote, stays in Coimbatore on polling day

Former minister Senthil Balaji, the DMK candidate from Coimbatore South, did not cast his vote in the Assembly election, according to reports from party functionaries. Balaji, who had earlier contested from Karur, was fielded in Coimbatore South with the aim of strengthening the party’s prospects in the city. During the campaign, he alternated between Coimbatore and Karur districts. Although he is contesting in Coimbatore South, his voter registration remains in Karur. It had been indicated that he would travel to Karur on polling day, vote in the morning and return to Coimbatore.

Trump warns Iran again: ‘Time is running out’
Politics

Trump warns Iran again: ‘Time is running out’

US President Donald Trump has issued a fresh warning to Iran, saying the United States is not in a hurry to end the ongoing war but that “time is running out” for Tehran. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said Iran must stop providing financial support to Hezbollah. He also claimed the US has control over the Strait of Hormuz and said Iran had approached Washington about reopening the vital shipping route.

After polling ends, Tamil Nadu’s election debates continue at home
Politics

After polling ends, Tamil Nadu’s election debates continue at home

Tamil Nadu’s “festival of democracy”, held once in five years, concluded on Wednesday with visibly higher enthusiasm than usual. From 7 am, long queues formed outside polling booths, and many voters said they felt relieved after fulfilling their civic duty. On the ground, party functionaries stayed on their toes to prevent vote-splitting in their localities. From arranging the arrival of relatives from other towns to distributing booth slips, they treated the day less like an election and more like a matter of neighbourhood pride.

India advises citizens not to travel to Iran amid ongoing tensions
General

India advises citizens not to travel to Iran amid ongoing tensions

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has issued a fresh advisory asking Indian citizens not to travel to Iran, even as reports suggest that some flight services between the two countries have resumed. The advisory comes amid continuing airspace restrictions linked to tensions in the region. Authorities said the situation has not fully stabilised, and travel should be avoided for now. In a statement shared by the Indian Embassy in Tehran, the mission noted that international flight operations to and from Iran continue to be affected due to the prevailing conditions.

PM Modi enjoys boat ride on Hooghly River during Kolkata visit
Politics

PM Modi enjoys boat ride on Hooghly River during Kolkata visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a visit to Kolkata, spent time along the banks of the Hooghly River on Thursday morning and took a boat ride. In a social media post, Modi said the brief stop by the river gave him an opportunity to express gratitude to the Ganga. He also said he tried to capture the river’s beauty through photographs. The Prime Minister noted that he met boatmen during the visit and praised their hard work. He also interacted with people out for morning walks.

Sathya Sai Aradhana Mahotsavam draws devotees to Puttaparthi
General

Sathya Sai Aradhana Mahotsavam draws devotees to Puttaparthi

Aradhana Mahotsavam, observed in memory of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, was held on Thursday (April 24) at Puttaparthi, drawing devotees from across the world for special prayers. The day commemorates the occasion when Sathya Sai Baba is remembered as having left his physical form and become a “jyoti” (divine light). The Sri Sathya Sai International Organisation also marks the date as a day to emphasise human values such as truth, peace, love and non-violence.

Selvaperunthagai seeks action over alleged I-T ‘raid’ incident
Politics

Selvaperunthagai seeks action over alleged I-T ‘raid’ incident

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K. Selvaperunthagai on Thursday demanded that the officials who allegedly carried out an “inspection” at his premises be identified and proceeded against. He said he had earlier promised to release evidence related to the incident, after the Income Tax Department denied conducting any raid and a complaint was reportedly filed with the police. According to Selvaperunthagai, the episode occurred around the time Rahul Gandhi visited Tamil Nadu for election campaigning. He alleged the move was aimed at preventing him from taking part in the campaign events.

Will Vijay outpoll MGR, Vijayakanth and Kamal Haasan in 2026?
Politics

Will Vijay outpoll MGR, Vijayakanth and Kamal Haasan in 2026?

Tamil Nadu’s 17th Assembly election for all 234 constituencies concluded on April 23. While the main contest is seen between the DMK and AIADMK alliances, actor Vijay’s newly launched Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is making its electoral debut. Vijay is contesting from two seats—Chennai’s Perambur and Tiruchirappalli East—without an alliance. The contest has revived comparisons with earlier film stars who entered politics after MGR, including Vijayakanth and Kamal Haasan. In the 1977 Assembly election, MGR—after forming the AIADMK—contested from Aruppukottai and secured 43,065 votes, a 56.23% vote share, defeating the Janata Party candidate Muthuvel Servai (13,687 votes). In 2006, Vijayakanth, contesting from Vriddhachalam in his party’s first election, polled 61,337 votes with a 40.4% vote share; PMK’s Govindasamy received 47,560 votes.

Udhayanidhi leaves for Dubai; CM Stalin to visit Kodaikanal
Politics

Udhayanidhi leaves for Dubai; CM Stalin to visit Kodaikanal

With the Tamil Nadu Assembly election campaign concluded, senior leaders are beginning post-election travel plans, with many expected to return to their constituencies a day or two before vote counting. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi left Chennai on Thursday morning for an overseas tour, travelling with his wife and daughter. The trip is expected to include Dubai and London. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is scheduled to travel to Kodaikanal on Friday, April 25, along with his family.

Tamil Nadu vote turnout details likely to be released this evening
Politics

Tamil Nadu vote turnout details likely to be released this evening

The Election Commission is likely to release official details of votes polled in the Tamil Nadu Assembly election by this evening, officials said. Polling was held peacefully across the state on Wednesday. After SIR-related work, the election recorded an overall turnout of 85.03%. Out of 5.73 crore registered voters, about 4.83 crore cast their votes, fulfilling their democratic duty. Compared with the previous election, around 20 lakh more voters participated.

Modi says Bengal cases will be reopened if BJP wins; cites record turnout
Politics

Modi says Bengal cases will be reopened if BJP wins; cites record turnout

KOLKATA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that if the BJP forms the government in West Bengal, cases linked to alleged injustice and lawlessness in the state will be reopened and investigated again. Speaking at a public meeting in Dum Dum, Modi pointed to the first phase of polling held a day earlier, where 92% voting was recorded. He described it as the highest turnout in the state’s election history and said it reflected people’s strong faith in the electoral process.

CJI praises high voter turnout in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal polls
Politics

CJI praises high voter turnout in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal polls

New Delhi: Chief Justice of India Suryakant on April 24 said he was happy, as an Indian citizen, to see the high voter turnout recorded in the recent Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. Polling was held in a single phase for all 234 Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu, while West Bengal voted in the first phase for 152 constituencies. The Election Commission reported turnout of 85.15% in Tamil Nadu and 92.72% in West Bengal.

TN Assembly polls: Record 85.03% turnout raises questions on SIR impact
Politics

TN Assembly polls: Record 85.03% turnout raises questions on SIR impact

Chennai witnessed an unusually high voter turnout in the Tamil Nadu Assembly election held on April 23 across all 234 constituencies. The state recorded 85.03% polling, crossing 80% for the first time and sparking debate over what drove the surge. Political parties offered competing explanations: DMK supporters linked the turnout to public approval of the government, AIADMK cadres claimed it reflected anti-incumbency and a desire for change, while TVK supporters attributed it to a “Vijay wave” encouraging more voters to participate.

Anti-incumbency at peak in West Bengal: Amit Shah
Politics

Anti-incumbency at peak in West Bengal: Amit Shah

Kolkata: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said anti-incumbency sentiment against the West Bengal government is at its peak. In an interview, Shah claimed that a similar mood existed during the previous election as well, but alleged that polling then was not conducted in a free and fair manner. He alleged that several booths were captured, people in many villages were prevented from leaving, and BJP workers were unable to vote.

High turnout signals regime change, says PMK leader Anbumani
Politics

High turnout signals regime change, says PMK leader Anbumani

PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss on Thursday welcomed the Election Commission’s announcement that 85.12% of voters cast their ballots in the Tamil Nadu Assembly election, calling it an unprecedented turnout in the state’s electoral history. In a statement, Anbumani claimed the high participation reflected widespread public anger against the DMK government and said people had turned out in large numbers with the intention of bringing a change in government. He described Tamil Nadu voters as believers in democracy who express their will through a “silent revolution.”

AAP Rajya Sabha MPs Raghav Chadha, Pathak, Mittal join BJP
Politics

AAP Rajya Sabha MPs Raghav Chadha, Pathak, Mittal join BJP

Switch to BJP Three Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MPs—Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal—joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in New Delhi on Thursday. Chadha cites constitutional route, alleges suppression Speaking to reporters alongside Pathak and Mittal, Chadha said the move was made in line with constitutional provisions. He alleged that AAP tried to suppress his voice and claimed the party, which came to power promising to fight corruption, had “turned into a corrupt party,” prompting their exit.

Bus shortage leaves Chennai voters stranded ahead of polling
General

Bus shortage leaves Chennai voters stranded ahead of polling

Chennai witnessed severe commuter distress as an unexpected shortage of buses disrupted travel for voters trying to reach their native places for polling. With a large number of transport employees reportedly taking leave at the same time, services were not operated at the announced scale. Authorities had earlier said that a total of 10,663 buses would be operated on April 21, 22 and 23, including 2,092 regular services from the Kilambakkam terminus and 5,574 special buses. However, passengers said the number of special buses did not match the heavy turnout.

Tamil Nadu Assembly polls: turnout data released for 234 constituencies
Politics

Tamil Nadu Assembly polls: turnout data released for 234 constituencies

Chennai: A constituency-wise list comparing voter turnout in the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly election with the turnout recorded in the latest election has been released. The data covers all 234 Assembly constituencies and presents the percentage of votes polled in each segment for both elections, offering a snapshot of how participation has shifted over time. According to the published figures, turnout levels vary significantly between constituencies, with several seats recording sharp increases compared to 2021.

EVM glitch delays Minister K.N. Nehru’s vote in Tiruchirappalli
Politics

EVM glitch delays Minister K.N. Nehru’s vote in Tiruchirappalli

Voting at the Makkal Mandram polling centre in Tiruchirappalli West was delayed on Wednesday after a malfunction was reported in the VVPAT unit attached to the electronic voting machine. Two polling booths for Wards 61 and 63 of the Tiruchirappalli Corporation had been set up at the venue. Polling began at 7 am, and Minister K.N. Nehru arrived to vote at around 7.08 am, but was unable to cast his ballot due to the fault.

Thirumavalavan says VCK will stand by Stalin after casting vote
Politics

Thirumavalavan says VCK will stand by Stalin after casting vote

Perambalur: Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president Thol. Thirumavalavan on Wednesday said his party would stand firmly with Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, expressing confidence that the DMK-led alliance would return to power. After casting his vote at the Anganur polling booth in Ariyalur district, Thirumavalavan told reporters that the DMK alliance would win more than 200 seats and form the government. He said the election was not a fight between two parties or two fronts, but a contest between two ideologies, and asserted that Tamil Nadu would reject divisive politics.

Seeman slams freebies, says Ajith or Sivakarthikeyan would draw bigger crowd
Politics

Seeman slams freebies, says Ajith or Sivakarthikeyan would draw bigger crowd

NTK chief coordinator Seeman on Wednesday visited polling booths in the Karaikudi constituency and reviewed the voting process in person. Speaking to reporters later, he criticised Dravidian parties, alleging they had “ruined” Tamil Nadu and that elections were being conducted only in name. Seeman said it was encouraging to see young people and women turning out in large numbers to vote. He also backed the demand made by TVK leader Vijay for extending polling time by two more hours, calling elections a “festival of democracy” like Deepavali and Pongal.

Modi says ‘masala pori’ remark has rattled Trinamool in Bengal poll
Politics

Modi says ‘masala pori’ remark has rattled Trinamool in Bengal poll

KOLKATA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday took a swipe at the ruling Trinamool Congress, saying the “spice” of the masala pori he ate during a campaign stop has “stung” the party amid the West Bengal Assembly election. West Bengal, governed by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress, is voting in phases for its 294 Assembly seats. The first phase of polling for 152 constituencies was held on Wednesday, with the second phase scheduled for April 29.

Chennai voter turnout jumps to 84%; Kolathur and Perambur see surge
Politics

Chennai voter turnout jumps to 84%; Kolathur and Perambur see surge

Chennai district witnessed an unusually high voter turnout in the latest election, with polling recorded at 83.73%. The surge was seen across constituencies, including Kolathur—where Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is in the fray—and Perambur, contested by TVK leader Vijay. Historically, Chennai has been among the lower-turnout districts in Tamil Nadu elections. In the 2021 Assembly election, the district recorded 59.40% polling. Ahead of the current election, the voter list was revised, removing names of deceased and relocated voters.

Pandalams urge judicial restraint in Sabarimala hearing
Politics

Pandalams urge judicial restraint in Sabarimala hearing

Arguments in the Sabarimala matter continued before a nine-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court, which is examining key questions linked to religious rights and freedoms arising from petitions seeking entry for women of all ages at the Ayyappa temple. On the eighth day of hearings, advocate Radhakrishnan, appearing for the Pandalam royal family, submitted that while the court’s authority is unquestionable, it should proceed with calm restraint when it comes to intervening in religious rituals and traditions.

Centre denies rumours of petrol, diesel price hike after elections
Business

Centre denies rumours of petrol, diesel price hike after elections

New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has rejected social media claims that petrol and diesel prices will be increased after the Assembly elections in five states, including Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Kerala. The ministry’s clarification came after posts circulated online suggesting that fuel prices would be raised once the election process concludes. Polling has already been held in Kerala, Assam and Puducherry, while voting in Tamil Nadu and the first phase in West Bengal have also been completed, with another phase in West Bengal scheduled.

ED tells Supreme Court Mamata shielding coal scam accused is shameful
Politics

ED tells Supreme Court Mamata shielding coal scam accused is shameful

New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) told the Supreme Court that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s alleged attempt to protect those linked to an illegal coal trade racket was “shameful,” and sought a CBI investigation into the episode. The ED said it had conducted searches in January at premises linked to I-PAC, an election strategy firm in Kolkata, as part of a coal-related money laundering probe. During the operation, Banerjee allegedly arrived at the residence of I-PAC director Pratik Jain with police presence and took away key documents, leaving the raiding team shocked.

Rs 99.99 lakh seized from Congress candidate’s house in Thoothukudi
Politics

Rs 99.99 lakh seized from Congress candidate’s house in Thoothukudi

Search at candidate-linked residence Officials seized unaccounted cash totalling Rs 99.99 lakh from a house in Ganesh Nagar, Thoothukudi, linked to Congress candidate Amirtharaj of the Srivaikuntam constituency. He was reportedly staying at the residence while campaigning. Flying squad action Based on information that cash was being stored at the house, a flying squad team conducted a search and seized Rs 62.49 lakh that was said to be without proper accounting. A person named Suresh, who was present at the house, was questioned.

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