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O Panneerselvam Casts Vote in Tamil Nadu's High-Stakes Assembly Elections

Former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, now a DMK candidate, cast his vote in Periyakulam as Tamil Nadu began single-phase polling for its 234 Assembly seats. The Periyakulam constituency is witnessing a multi-cornered contest with candidates from several parties including VCK and Naam Tamilar Party. Voter turnout in the state stood at 17.69 percent by 9 AM, with Tiruppur district recording the highest participation. The election is primarily a battle between the incumbent DMK-led alliance and the opposition AIADMK-led NDA coalition.

Key Points: Ex-CM O Panneerselvam Votes in Tamil Nadu Polls

  • Former AIADMK leader votes as DMK candidate
  • Multi-cornered fight in Periyakulam reserved seat
  • Tamil Nadu records 17.69% turnout by 9 AM
  • Main contest between DMK-led and AIADMK-led alliances
2 min read

Tamil Nadu Polls: Former CM and DMK candidate O Panneerselvam casts vote in Periyakulam

Former Tamil Nadu CM O Panneerselvam casts his vote in Periyakulam as polling begins for the 234-seat Assembly. Key contests and turnout updates.

Tamil Nadu Polls: Former CM and DMK candidate O Panneerselvam casts vote in Periyakulam
"Panneerselvam... exercised his franchise at the 7th Day Nursery and Primary School - Report"

Periyakulam, April 23

Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam candidate from Bodinayakkanur Assembly constituency, O Panneerselvam on Thursday cast his vote along with his family members at a polling station in Periyakulam district as voting for the elections is underway.

Panneerselvam, who has long been associated with the AIADMK and is currently contesting as a DMK candidate from Bodinayakanur following a recent political realignment, exercised his franchise at the 7th Day Nursery and Primary School located in South Car Street, Ward No. 23 in Tenkarai, Periyakulam.

The Periyakulam reserved constituency is witnessing a multi-cornered electoral battle with candidates including Sakthivel from Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Vimala from Naam Tamilar Party, Dr. Kathirkamu from Amma Makkal Munnettra Kazhagam, Sabari Iyngaran from Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, Marichamy from Puthiya Tamilagam Party, and Ranjithkumar from Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist). Several Independent candidates, including Abitha, Kumar, Shanmugavel, Selvaraj, Palanichamy, Mohanraj and Vairamuthu, are also in the fray.

Meanwhile, the voter turnout in Tamil Nadu was recorded at 17.69 per cent at 9 am on Thursday. Tiruppur district recorded the highest turnout with 20.38% voting, while Chennai district registered a turnout of 16.51% and Erode recorded 19.55% turnout.

Polling for the Assembly elections began in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal (Phase 1) amid tight security on Thursday. The voting will conclude at 6:00 pm today in both states.

The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections are being held in a single phase today, while West Bengal will witness two phases of polling in the Assembly elections 2026, with the second phase scheduled to take place on April 29. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.

Polling is being held for 234 Assembly constituencies across Tamil Nadu.

The main contest is expected between the DMK-led alliance, which includes the Indian National Congress, DMDK and VCK, and the National Democratic Alliance led by AIADMK with BJP and PMK as allies.

With the DMK banking on its welfare record, the AIADMK-led NDA is fighting for a comeback.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The sheer number of candidates and parties mentioned here is fascinating. It's a true multi-party democracy in action. Hope the high number of options leads to a high voter turnout by the end of the day! 📊
P
Priya S
Good to see former CMs setting an example by voting early with their families. Every vote counts! The Periyakulam contest looks very interesting with so many independents. Local issues will be key.
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Rohit P
Respectfully, while it's great to see leaders vote, I hope the focus remains on the welfare schemes and governance records. Sometimes the spectacle of personalities overshadows the real issues of water, roads, and jobs.
K
Kavya N
The voter turnout numbers at 9 AM seem decent for a start. Hope Chennai picks up pace! The weather is good today, so no excuse to not go out and vote. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
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Vikram M
DMK banking on welfare vs AIADMK fighting for a comeback. This is the core narrative. As a citizen from another state, I always find TN elections highly strategic and fiercely contested. All the best to the voters!

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