In what is expected to be a close four-way battle, over 5. 73 crore voters who are eligible to vote in the high-stakes Tamil Nadu Assembly elections will determine the destiny of 4,023 candidates in all 234 constituencies starting on Thursday.

This is one of the most fiercely contested elections in recent history, with the main candidates being the Secular Progressive Alliance led by the DMK, the National Democratic Alliance led by the AIADMK, the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), and the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

The Election Commission claims that extensive plans have been made to guarantee fair and orderly voting throughout the state.

Reflecting widespread public excitement for participating in the democratic process, voters were seen lining up in large numbers at polling places as voting started early in the morning.

Early voters included well-known individuals. At a voting facility in Mandaveli, Chennai, Sundar C, a candidate for Madurai Central and an actor, cast his ballot. He was joined by their daughter and Khushbu Sundar, an actor-politician. The trio joined other voters in line before casting their ballots.

After casting her vote, Khushbu addressed the media and encouraged people to carry out their democratic duty. “Everyone should vote. ” In a democracy, it is our responsibility, she stated. At the same time, Seeman, the Naam Tamilar Katchi’s coordinator, and his wife went to a voting place in Neelankarai to cast their ballots. As the vote went on without incident in the district, he also joined the line.

From the early hours of the morning, there was a consistent turnout at polling places throughout Tamil Nadu as voters from different segments of society came out to cast their ballots.

To prevent breaches of the Model Code of Conduct, election officials said that the majority of booths were well-organized and had strong security and thorough surveillance. To guarantee free and fair elections, the government has put in place stringent surveillance measures, such as webcasting and flying squads, as well as a sizable contingent of security forces.

Additionally, specific arrangements have been made for voters who are elderly or have disabilities.

Political parties are keeping a close eye on polling trends across constituencies because voter turnout is predicted to be a key factor.

The next administration in Tamil Nadu will be decided by the electoral verdict on May 4, when votes will be counted.