Voting for the high-voltage Tamil Nadu Assembly elections gathered momentum on Thursday as Kamal Haasan, founder of the Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), cast his vote in Chennai along with his daughter Shruti Haasan, drawing attention at the polling booth.
The father-daughter duo arrived at a polling station in Chennai’s Teynampet area early in the day, where a sizeable crowd had already gathered to witness the high-profile moment. Visuals showed both proudly displaying their inked fingers after exercising their franchise, reinforcing the importance of voter participation.
Polling for all 234 constituencies in Tamil Nadu began at 7 am in a single phase, with over 5.7 crore voters eligible to decide the fate of more than 4,000 candidates. The election is being seen as a crucial contest that will shape the state’s political direction for the next five years.
Kamal Haasan, who has transitioned from cinema to politics, has been actively campaigning and positioning his party as a key alternative in the state’s political landscape. His participation, along with that of prominent public figures, added momentum to the early hours of polling.
The presence of Shruti Haasan, a popular face in Indian cinema, further amplified public interest. Their joint appearance turned the polling station into a focal point for media and fans alike, underlining the influence of celebrity participation in encouraging voter turnout.
Across Tamil Nadu, several film stars and political leaders were seen casting their votes, contributing to a vibrant democratic atmosphere. Early voter turnout figures indicated a steady start, with around 17–18% polling recorded by 9 am, suggesting strong participation across districts.
Authorities have deployed extensive security arrangements to ensure smooth and peaceful voting, with polling scheduled to continue until 6 pm. Long queues were reported from multiple booths, reflecting enthusiasm among voters despite the summer heat.
As Tamil Nadu votes in this high-stakes election, the participation of influential figures like Kamal Haasan and Shruti Haasan highlights a broader message, democracy thrives when citizens, regardless of their stature, actively take part in the electoral process.
