The Times of India

Chennai witnessed a significant surge in voter turnout for the recent elections, with nearly 20,000 more people casting ballots compared to 2021. This increase, bolstered by postal votes, highlights a dynamic shift in participation across several key constituencies. While some areas saw a decline, others, like Perambur and Kolathur, recorded substantial gains, potentially influencing close electoral contests.

Commuters on the TiruttaniArakkonam route will experience disruptions for several weeks due to engineering works. Southern Railway has announced full cancellations of specific EMU services between Tiruttani and Arakkonam from April 26 to May 16, 2026. Partial cancellations will also affect services between Tiruvalangadu and Arakkonam during the same period.

Tamil Nadu's voting percentage was revised to 85.10%, with Chennai seeing a significant surge to 86.2% after voter additions. The Election Commission confirmed no re-polling is needed across 75,064 stations. Karur district recorded the highest turnout at 92.65%, while Anna Nagar saw the largest increase in Chennai's votes.

The crime came to light after the elderly couple, identified as Ramasamy, 70, and his wife R Ponammal, 65, did not come out of their house on Friday for a long time.

The incident came to light a short while later when a passerby noticed the two men lying motionless inside the well and alerted the villagers, who in turn alerted Tirukoilur fire and rescue services.

DMK sources said Stalin and his family were likely to spend three days in Kodaikanal.

At 95, veteran screenwriter Chitralaya Gopu chose to vote in person despite arrangements for home voting. He arrived at the polling booth, where people made way for him, demonstrating a quiet, dignified act of democratic participation. Gopu expressed his determination to vote in future elections as well.

Western Tamil Nadu witnessed a significant surge in voter turnout, exceeding 88% and surpassing 2021 levels, particularly in AIADMK strongholds like Salem. The ruling DMK's northern bastion also saw a substantial increase. While Karur district topped the state with over 92% turnout, the southern region lagged behind with lower participation.

Chennai voters, including first-timers, expressed diverse motivations for casting their ballots. From championing women's empowerment and safety to seeking a change in governance and believing in the democratic process, citizens actively participated. Many highlighted the importance of individual votes in shaping the state's future, with some anticipating a competitive election influenced by new political entrants.

Chennai's high voter turnout percentage masks a decline in absolute votes cast compared to previous elections. This surge is attributed to a significantly reduced electorate following revisions. Despite fluctuating voter numbers, the city has historically seen shifts between major parties, with current contests potentially becoming multi-cornered, making vote distribution crucial for outcomes.

Urban voters have significantly narrowed the turnout gap with rural areas in the recent election, with many urban centers recording substantial increases in absolute voter numbers. This surge, alongside high turnouts in rural constituencies, suggests a successful electoral roll clean-up and heightened voter engagement, pushing the state's average to 85%.

Polling this time was the highest in the states electoral history, with 4.85 crore of the 5.73 crore on the electoral rolls casting their votes.

Karur district has recorded the highest percentage of polling, with 91.97%, while Salem witnessed a total voting percentage of 90.23%.

The arrested man has been identified as S Sakthivel, 35.

When he insisted on the CCTV footage, polling officials asked Praveen to vote under the same slip and that they would cancel the false vote.