In the two Tamil Nadu constituencies of Thanjavur and Aravakurichi, where the Election Commission deferred the polls to May 23, the Income-Tax Department initiated investigations to identify the candidates allegedly involved in distributing money.
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Rains had affected the voter turnout during the Assembly elections on Monday in some places in Chennai and South Tamil Nadu. “Also, anti-incumbency does not differentiate between urban and rural in Tamil Nadu”, said a senior DMK leader.
For decades, the winning combine has been led by either the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) or DMK parties.
Though the fight is mainly between the AIADMK and the DMK the polls might through up a surprise element as well.
Jayalalithaa sent out a three-page letter to her party cadres reminding them of DMK’s “dynasty politics” and “massive corruption” during its earlier rule.
DMK supremo M Karunanidhi, 93, is seeking election to the assembly for a record 13th time and as a CM-aspirant for a 10th time.
The Kerala Government has also made elaborate arrangements for smooth and peaceful conduct of polls.
If the AIADMK wins, Jayalalithaa will become the first chief minister after her mentor and legendary actor MG Ramachandran won back-to-back elections.
Her victory is extraordinary given the political history of Tamil Nadu that bets often on the “Dravidian” theory, and regales in anti-Brahmin rhetoric.
The counting started at 8 a.m. across all the counting centres to elect 232 legislators.
The DMK has aligned with the Congress, two Muslim parties and smaller outfits. Despite several attempts by Tamil Nadu Election Commission for 100 per cent voting the voters turnout was low.
Jayalalithaa is contesting from RK Nagar constituency, north of Chennai, which is considered a safe seat for the AIADMK.
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As many as 69.19% of voters in 232 assembly segments had cast their votes by 5 pm, electoral authorities said, even as there was a dip in the pace of polling after 3 pm.
