Elections for the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly took place on April 6 with 71.79% of eligible voters casting their ballot in an electorate of over 62 million people.
In a multi-pronged contest, the ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) with support from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and its allied parties, the Tamil Nationalist Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) and Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) led by actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan are the major contenders.
Kallakurichi district recorded the highest turnout with 78% of voters having exercised their franchise while capital Chennai recorded only 59.40%, the lowest in the state.
The overall turnout of 71.79% falls short of that recorded in previous elections in 2016 and 2011 which saw a turnout of 74.81% and 78.01% respectively.
The voting took place amidst growing health risks related to the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic which is spreading with renewed vigour in India and much of South Asia.
DMK MP Kanimozhi who is stricken with the virus and is receiving treatment at a private hospital in Chennai cast her vote wearing a full PPE kit.
Allegations were levelled at certain political parties that they were dispensing cash to voters in exchange for their votes. MNM leader Kamal Haasan filed a complaint against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for indulging in the malpractice in his Coimbatore South constituency.
Neighbouring Union Territory (UT) Puducherry recorded 81.69% of votes, surpassing Tamil Nadu and Kerala which went to the polls on the same day.
The results of the elections of both states and the UT will be declared on May 2.
