Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram on Thursday cast his vote in the ongoing Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu and appealed to young voters to participate actively, emphasizing the need to uphold “secularism and progress.”
After exercising his franchise at a polling booth in his home state, Chidambaram said that the youth hold the key to shaping the future of the country. He urged first-time voters and young citizens to step out in large numbers and vote responsibly, highlighting that their choices would determine the direction of governance and development.
Calling elections the backbone of democracy, the veteran leader stressed that active participation is essential to protect democratic values. “Youth must vote for secularism and progress,” he said, underlining the importance of inclusive growth and harmony in a diverse nation like India.
Voting in Tamil Nadu began early in the morning across all 234 Assembly constituencies in a single phase, with steady turnout reported from several districts. Long queues were seen at polling stations, including a significant number of young and first-time voters.
The Election Commission of India has put in place extensive arrangements to ensure smooth and peaceful polling. Security has been tightened, and polling officials conducted mock drills earlier in the day to ensure that Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and VVPAT systems are functioning properly.
Chidambaram’s remarks come at a time when political leaders across party lines are making last-mile appeals to voters. His focus on secularism and development reflects key themes in the ongoing electoral discourse, particularly in a state known for its strong political awareness and high voter participation.
As polling continues through the day, authorities are expecting a healthy turnout, with youth participation likely to play a decisive role in the final outcome of the elections.
