Voting for the high-stakes Tamil Nadu Assembly elections began on Thursday with strong public participation, as megastar Rajinikanth and actor Ajith Kumar were among the early voters, drawing attention and crowds at polling booths across Chennai.
Polling commenced at 7 am across all 234 constituencies in a single phase, with more than 5.7 crore eligible voters set to decide the fate of over 4,000 candidates. The election, seen as a crucial political battle, will determine the next government in the state.
Rajinikanth arrived early at the Stella Maris College polling booth in Chennai and cast his vote amid tight security. Dressed simply, the veteran actor greeted onlookers and proudly displayed his inked finger after voting, symbolising civic responsibility.
Meanwhile, Ajith Kumar cast his vote at a polling station in Thiruvanmiyur. Despite maintaining a low public profile, his presence drew large numbers of fans who gathered to catch a glimpse of the star, underlining his massive popularity.
The participation of leading film personalities added momentum to the polling process, with several other Kollywood stars also stepping out to vote early in the day. Their presence not only created excitement but also encouraged voters, especially the youth, to take part in the democratic exercise.
Early trends indicated steady voter turnout, with around 17–18% polling recorded by 9 am, suggesting a strong start to the day. Election authorities have deployed extensive security arrangements to ensure peaceful voting, with polling scheduled to continue until 6 pm.
This election is being closely watched as a decisive contest between major political alliances, with shifting voter dynamics, new voters, and local issues expected to play a key role. The results, scheduled to be announced on May 4, are likely to shape Tamil Nadu’s political landscape for the coming years.
As celebrities and citizens alike lined up at booths, the message was clear, participation in democracy remains the strongest voice of the people.
