4,023 Candidates Finalised For Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections After Scrutiny
Final candidate list reveals intense competition, with Karur emerging as the most crowded constituency.
The electoral field for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections has been finalized, with 4,023 candidates set to contest across the state following the completion of scrutiny and withdrawal of nominations, election authorities confirmed on Friday.
The nomination process, which began on March 30, saw an overwhelming response, with a total of 7,599 nomination papers filed within four days. However, nearly 2,460 nominations were rejected during scrutiny due to invalid or incomplete documentation, significantly reducing the number of eligible candidates in the fray.
Among constituencies, Karur has emerged as the most crowded seat with 79 candidates contesting, highlighting intense political competition. Other constituencies with a high number of candidates include Perambur with 47, Kolathur with 35, and Paramathi-Velur with 31 contenders. In contrast, Ambasamudram recorded the lowest number of candidates at five, while Udhagamandalam, Gudalur, and Coonoor each have six candidates, indicating relatively less crowded contests in these regions.
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Several prominent political figures are contesting in the elections. Chief Minister M. K. Stalin is seeking re-election from Kolathur, while Edappadi K. Palaniswami is contesting from Edappadi. Actor-turned-politician Joseph Vijay, Naam Tamilar Katchi chief Seeman, and DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin are also among the key candidates.
The contest is further strengthened by senior leaders such as Premalatha Vijayakanth and ministers including Duraimurugan, K. N. Nehru, E. V. Velu, and I. Periyasamy, adding further weight to the electoral battle.
In comparison, the 2021 Assembly elections had 3,998 candidates after 7,255 nominations were filed, indicating a marginal increase in participation this year. Polling for the 234-member Assembly is scheduled for April 23, with counting of votes set for May 4. To ensure a free and fair process, the Election Commission of India has deployed 176 general and police observers along with 150 expenditure observers to closely monitor campaign activities and spending.
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