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Chidambaram Urges Youth to Vote for Secularism, Progress in Tamil Nadu Polls

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram cast his vote in Sivaganga and appealed to young voters to support an alliance representing secularism and progress. He endorsed the incumbent DMK government for delivering growth and welfare measures, expressing confidence in its return to power. Meanwhile, BJP's Khushbu Sundar also cast her vote, urging citizens to exercise their democratic right. The single-phase election for Tamil Nadu's 234 seats is a key contest between the DMK-led and AIADMK-led alliances, with actor Vijay's new party adding a potential third dimension.

Key Points: Chidambaram Votes, Urges Youth for Secularism in TN Polls

  • Chidambaram votes in Karaikudi
  • Pitches for DMK's stable government
  • Urges youth to vote for secularism and progress
  • Tamil Nadu polls held in single phase
3 min read

"Youth must vote for secularism and progress": Chidambaram casts vote in Tamil Nadu polls

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram casts his vote in Sivaganga, appeals to young voters to support secularism, progress, and the DMK's stable government.

"I hope they will vote but they should vote for a stable government, for growth and for welfare measures. - P Chidambaram"

Sivaganga, April 23

Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister P Chidambaram on Thursday cast his vote at a polling station in Karaikudi, Sivaganga, and urged the youth to vote for an alliance that represents secularism and progress in Tamil Nadu.

Speaking to ANI after casting his vote, Chidambaram pitched in for the "stable government" of DMK that he said has delivered growth and welfare measures.

"I appreciate the enthusiasm shown by young voters this time. I hope they will vote but they should vote for a stable government, for growth and for welfare measures. They can't vote for a fanciful idea, they have to vote for a stable govt, growth and welfare measures that have been delivered by the DMK Govt in the last 5 years. I hope they will continue to deliver," Chidambaram said.

"I am sure they will continue to deliver, the youth must vote for secularism and progress...In Tamil Nadu, I am confident that the Secular Progressive Alliance will win and the DMK will form a Govt," he added.

Tamil Nadu BJP Vice President Khusbu Sundar also cast her vote in Mylapore.

Speaking with ANI, she urged everyone to exercise their right to vote, hoping that people will make the right decision.

"You can see the smile on my face, that says it all. Casting my vote has been my biggest democratic right and I think this matters a lot to me as a citizen of the country...Today is the time for people to take a call and decision and we leave it to them," she said.

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.

Actor-turned-politician Vijay is also set to make his electoral debut with his party TVK, which could turn the contest into a three-way fight.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Secularism is the bedrock of Tamil Nadu's politics. Any attempt to dilute it for divisive agendas must be rejected. Young voters, please understand the weight of your vote. The future of our social fabric is in your hands. 🙏
A
Arjun K
Respectfully, calling the DMK government "stable" is a bit of a stretch. There have been many controversies. While welfare is important, we also need accountability and clean governance. Maybe a strong third front like Vijay's TVK can bring that change?
S
Sarah B
Watching from abroad, it's inspiring to see such high voter enthusiasm. The focus on secularism and progress is crucial for any democracy. Hope the people of Tamil Nadu choose wisely for their future development.
K
Karthik V
The real issue is jobs and economic growth for the youth. All parties talk, but who has a concrete plan? Welfare is good, but sustainable employment is better. That should be the deciding factor.
M
Meera T
As a first-time voter from Chennai, I'm excited! I agree that secular values are non-negotiable for our state's harmony. But I also want to see more women in leadership roles. That's my priority when I cast my vote today.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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