Tamil Nadu Polls: Tight Security with 18,000 Police as Counting Centres Go on Alert

Tamil Nadu is on high alert as the state prepares for the counting of votes for its Assembly elections scheduled for Monday, with authorities deploying around 18,000 police personnel at counting centres to ensure a peaceful and secure process. The elections, held across all 234 constituencies on April 23, are set to determine the formation of the next state government amid intense political anticipation.

Security arrangements have been significantly strengthened across all 62 counting centres where Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) have been securely stored. Officials have confirmed that the counting process will begin at 8 a.m. with postal ballots, followed by EVM vote counting from 8:30 a.m. The Election Commission has directed strict monitoring at every stage to prevent any irregularities or disturbances during the process.

The election witnessed a high-stakes four-cornered contest involving the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) led by actor Vijay. Political analysts say TVK’s entry has significantly reshaped voter dynamics, potentially splitting votes and making outcome predictions more complex than in previous elections.

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State-wide security arrangements have gone beyond counting centres, with over 40 companies of paramilitary forces deployed across Tamil Nadu. In total, nearly one lakh police personnel have been mobilised under the supervision of senior officials, including the Director General of Police Sandeep Rai Rathore. Authorities have also heightened surveillance around political party offices and sensitive zones to prevent any post-result tensions.

In Chennai alone, three major counting centres have been set up at Queen Mary’s College, Anna University (Guindy), and Loyola College. Around 3,000 police personnel are stationed at these locations, while more than 20,000 personnel have been deployed across the city. Officials have said these measures are aimed at maintaining law and order and ensuring that the counting process remains incident-free.

Election authorities have made extensive logistical preparations for transparency and efficiency. A total of 234 counting halls have been arranged for EVM votes and 240 halls for postal ballots, supported by 3,324 counting tables and over 10,500 officials. Additionally, 4,624 micro-observers and 234 counting observers have been deployed, with QR code-based entry passes introduced for enhanced security. Results will be declared constituency-wise by Returning Officers and made available on official Election Commission platforms as the state awaits a decisive political outcome.

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