Tamil Nadu Polls: High Voter Turnout Expected, Rs 1,262 Cr Seized in Crackdown

Adressing a press conference in Chennai, CEO Patnaik said, "Voter turnout is expected to be higher than usual. For election duty, 1,20,000 police personnel and 3,40,000 government staff have been deployed."

Highlighting a strict enforcement drive under the Model Code of Conduct, which came into effect on March 15, she reported that cash and valuables worth Rs 1,262 crore have been seized, with Rs 543 crore already confiscated.

"Cash and valuables worth Rs 1,262 crore have been seized, of which Rs 543 crore has been confiscated. Monitoring is being carried out through four types of surveillance teams. Regarding social media violations, 163 cases have been registered, and 2,180 internet links have been blocked," the CEO stated.

The state's electorate comprises over 5.73 crore voters, featuring 2,93,04,905 female voters, 2,80,30,658 male voters, and 7,728 third-gender voters. The poll body is also catering to 14,59,039 first-time voters and 68,501 service voters, with 4,18,541 postal votes already received, she added. Furthermore, 62 counting centres have already been established to ensure a smooth process after the high-stakes voting concludes.

With campaigning concluded, the election machinery has shifted focus to logistics and security arrangements. In Dindigul, the process of dispatching Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to 316 polling stations is underway under tight security, with 33 vehicles deployed for the exercise.

Security has been further intensified in several districts, including Karur, where authorities have identified sensitive and vulnerable polling booths. A multi-layered security arrangement has been put in place, involving local police, central armed forces, and flying squads. Continuous surveillance, area domination exercises, and vehicle checks are also being carried out to maintain law and order.

Karur District Superintendent of Police Hari Kiran Prasad conducted on-ground inspections at key locations, including the Old Bus Stand roundabout, reviewing preparedness with police personnel and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) teams. He also carried out patrols across the city and sensitive areas to assess readiness.

Officials said all necessary measures have been implemented to maintain law and order and provide voters with a secure environment. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring the smooth conduct of polling, with a focus on transparency, strict enforcement of rules, and prompt response to any complaints.

The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections will be held in a single phase on April 23, with counting of votes scheduled for May 4.

- ANI