Tamil Nadu’s electoral landscape has historically been dominated by either of the two major alliances, with exceptions like the 2009 split verdict. As the state’s 39 Lok Sabha seats gear up for polls in the first phase on April 19, signs point to another potentially one-sided mandate, albeit with some differences this time around.
The ruling DMK, reminiscent of its 2019 landslide victory, faces stiff resistance from traditional rival AIADMK and the BJP-led NDA in select regions. While the DMK holds a strong position, particularly after securing 38 seats in the previous elections, it encounters challenges in constituencies where the AIADMK, now contesting solo after ending its alliance with the NDA, fields less competitive candidates.
The NDA’s strategic nominations, notably in Coimbatore where state BJP chief K Annamalai presents a formidable challenge, pose hurdles for both the DMK and AIADMK. Additionally, key figures like BJP’s Nainar Nagendran in Tirunelveli and T T V Dhinakaran of AMMK in Theni and O Panneerselvam, who is contesting from Ramananthapuram as an Independent with the NDA’s backing, further intensify the electoral landscape.
In the lead-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP adopted an aggressive stance, shaping the campaign narrative by unveiling revelations on the Katchatheevu issue, among other issues. This sparked a contentious exchange between the BJP, led by the Annamalai, and the DMK-Congress alliance.
The BJP accused the DMK-Congress of betrayal over the matter, while the Opposition raised concerns about Chinese incursions. Prime Minister Modi emphasized these issues during his campaign, highlighting the alleged repercussions of betrayal on fishermen. Additionally, Modi addressed the drug menace following the arrest of a former DMK office-bearer by the NCB and voiced concerns about threats to Sanatana Dharma.
Modi’s extensive campaign in Tamil Nadu, including rallies in Chennai, Coimbatore, Vellore, and Tirunelveli, marked a historic milestone with his unprecedented nine visits to the state before a Lok Sabha election.
The AIADMK, aiming to maintain its stronghold in Western Tamil Nadu, anticipates close contests, especially in Dharmapuri where PMK’s Soumya Ramadoss, known for her influence among OBC Vanniyar voters, stands as an NDA candidate.
While the AIADMK expresses confidence in constituencies like Kallakurichi and Namakkal, the DMK remains steadfast, attributing its unity and successful coalition management to Chief Minister M K Stalin. Under Stalin’s leadership, the DMK has navigated alliances through various elections since 2018, ensuring cohesion among the coalition partners.
Among the prominent candidates flin fray in the phase 1 election are DMK’s Dayanidhi Maran (Central Chennai), A Raja (Nilgiris), Kanimozhi (Thoothukudi), BJP’s L Murugan (Nilgiris), Tamilisai Soundararajan (South Chennai), former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam (Ramanathapuram), Congress party’s Karti Chidambaram (Sivaganga) and AIADMK’s J Jayavardhan (South Chennai) and AMMK chief TTV Dhinakaran.
Tamil Nadu Lok Sabha Election Phase 1: All you need to know
Tamil Nadu is poised for the Lok Sabha polls on April 19. Voting will take place for 39 Lok Sabha seats in the state to determine the fate of 950 candidates, including 76 women candidates, vying for parliamentary seats.
Polling will be held from 7 am to 6 pm on Friday. Counting of votes will take place on June 4.
Chief Electoral Officer Satyabrata Sahoo said that approximately 190 companies of the Central Armed Police Force have been deployed across the state’s 39 constituencies.
A total of 6.23 crore voters, including 3.06 crore men, 3.17 crore women, and 8,467 third-gender people will cast their votes. First-time voters aged 18 to 19 accounted for 10.92 lakh, while persons with disabilities (PwD) comprised 4.61 lakh of the electorate, with 6.14 lakh individuals aged 85 years and above.
The Election Commission has moved 1,58,568 Ballot Units, 81,157 Control Units, and 86,858 VVPATs for the polls. Vilavancode assembly constituency’s by-election in Kanyakumari district will utilize 325 Ballot Units, 326 Control Units, and 346 VVPATs.
As of April 17, election officials have seized cash worth Rs 173.85 crore, liquor valued at Rs 6.67 crore, drugs/narcotics worth Rs 1.13 crore, precious metals worth Rs 1,083.77 crore, and other items/freebies worth Rs 35.78 crore, totalling Rs 1,301.22 crore.