Big-Ticket Lok Sabha Poll Campaign Ends In Tamil Nadu, State Set To Elect Its 39 MPs On April 19

In Tamil Nadu, at the stroke of 6 PM, the curtains were drawn on the electrifying campaign, shifting the focus to Electronic Voting Machines and polling of votes for Lok Sabha Elections 2024.

On April 6, election officials, accompanied by a police officer, collected votes through postal ballots for the Lok Sabha polls during home voting in Tirunelveli district.

Source : PTI

The fervent campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections, which commenced with full force a month ago and escalated following the Election Commission of India's announcement of dates for the 543 Lok Sabha constituencies, drew to a close in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday. As dusk settled over the horizon, the states slated for the first phase of elections, including Tamil Nadu, bid adieu to the spirited campaigning in the heartland of Dravidian politics. The first phase of elections is scheduled to take place on Friday, April 19.

At the stroke of 6 PM, the curtains were drawn on the electrifying campaign, shifting the focus to the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and polling of votes. The electorate will now hold the key to the destiny of candidates vying for victory in 40 constituencies, including Puducherry. 

Lok Sabha Elections In Tamil Nadu

In the forthcoming election battle in Tamil Nadu, three major alliances and a solitary party, which has consistently contested alone in all its electoral endeavours, are poised for a fierce showdown. Led by the DMK, one of these alliances comprises the Congress, Left Parties, MDMK, VCK, Makkal Needhi Maiam, Kongunadu Makkal Desia Katchi, and Indian Union Muslim League, collectively forming a significant portion of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A).

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has been at the forefront of the campaign, engaging with thousands of people over the course of a month to garner support from voters. The DMK is set to contest in 21 seats, while its primary alliance partner, the Congress, will compete in 9 seats.

The AIADMK-led alliance includes Puthiya Tamilagam, Social Democratic Party of India, and Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam. Initially facing challenges in securing an alliance, the AIADMK later formed a coalition with the DMDK, which is poised to contest its first election following the demise of its founder, actor-turned-politician Vijayakanth.

In the upcoming elections, the AIADMK will compete in 32 seats, while the DMDK will contest in 5 seats.

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Tamil Nadu comprises several parties, including the BJP, Indhiya Jananayaga Katchi, Inthiya Makkal Kalvi Munnetra Kazhagam, Puthiya Needhi Katchi, Tamizhaga Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam, Pattali Makkal Katchi, Tamil Maanila Congress (Moopanar), Amma Makkal Munnettra Kazagam, and independent candidate O Panneerselvam.

Among the major alliance partners, the PMK will contest 10 seats, while the AMMK will contest 2 seats. The BJP will contest in 19 seats as part of the alliance.

Apart from the alliance, Naam Tamilar Katchi, a Tamil nationalist party, led by Seeman is contesting in all 39 seats. In this election, Bahujan Samaj Party is also contesting in all 39 seats in the state.