Tamil Nadu’s high-stakes assembly elections began this morning amid reports of EVM malfunctions at multiple booths, postponing the 7 AM start in affected areas. Quick action by polling teams restored normalcy, minimizing impact on the 234 constituencies’ voting drive.
Voters showed remarkable resilience, forming long lines despite glitches. A notable instance unfolded in Trichy’s Thillai Nagar, where Minister KN Nehru joined the queue after a VVPAT breakdown paused operations temporarily.
Celebrities and leaders led by example. Mylapore BJP hopeful Tamilisai Soundararajan, now a key campaigner, voted and lauded EC’s vigilance. ‘Excellent security measures and bogus voter removal via SIR make this flawless,’ she shared, highlighting her decades-long voting history at the station.
Thanjavur’s Govi Chezhiyan, DMK stalwart, marked his ballot at Cholapuram school booth. Khushbu Sundar of BJP, Sundar C, and Ajith Kumar swelled early voter ranks. L Murugan, Union Minister contesting Avinashi, voted in Chennai’s Koyambedu and called for total participation.
In Ulundurpettai, Kallakurichi, 375 centers buzz with activity, 16 tagged sensitive with enhanced forces. Kanyakumari polls hum along with facilities galore. Salem’s Edappadi K Palaniswami, AIADMK boss, family in tow, voted at Siluvampalayam school.
These early hurdles highlight technology’s double edge in democracy, yet Tamil Nadu’s electorate presses on. With stringent security and voter-friendly setups, expectations soar for record turnout in this fiercely contested battle.
