Campaigning Ends Today as Tamil Nadu Prepares for Single-Phase Polling

Chennai, April 2026 : With the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections entering their final phase, campaigning across the state will officially end at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, paving the way for the mandatory silence period ahead of voting. The high-stakes election, covering all 234 Assembly constituencies, will be held in a single phase on April 23 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., with around 5.73 crore eligible voters set to exercise their franchise.

In the final hours before campaigning closes, political parties have intensified their outreach efforts, with top leaders crisscrossing the state to consolidate support. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is scheduled to conduct his last round of campaigning in his home constituency of Kolathur, focusing on direct engagement through door-to-door interactions with voters.

Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami will conclude his campaign in Salem, where he is expected to hold a series of meetings with voters and party workers, reiterating key issues highlighted by the AIADMK throughout the campaign. Meanwhile, Naan Tamilar Katchi chief Seeman is set to campaign in Karaikudi, and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay will continue his outreach efforts in Chennai.

Adding to the final push, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge is slated to address a public meeting in Thiruvanmiyur, strengthening the campaign of the DMK-led alliance in the closing hours.

As the campaign period ends, the Election Commission has reiterated strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct during the silence period. All public meetings, rallies, and processions will be prohibited after 6 p.m. on Tuesday. Additionally, the dissemination of election-related content through electronic platforms—including television, radio, social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook, and SMS services—will be strictly barred.

Authorities have also banned campaign-related messaging during cultural events, including music and theatre performances, to ensure a fair and level playing field. Any violations of these rules could attract stringent penalties, including imprisonment of up to two years, fines, or both.

To maintain neutrality, non-voters have been instructed to leave their respective constituencies after the campaign deadline. Vehicle permits issued to candidates and star campaigners will be withdrawn, and the use of hired vehicles to transport voters on polling day has been strictly prohibited.

Candidates are allowed to operate only one election office per polling station, which must be located at least 100 metres away from the polling booth and staffed by no more than two individuals.

Meanwhile, liquor sales across Tamil Nadu will remain suspended for three days starting Tuesday evening, leading to a surge in crowds at retail outlets as voters made last-minute purchases ahead of the dry period.

With campaigning drawing to a close and strict guidelines in place, the stage is set for a crucial electoral contest that will determine the state’s political direction for the next five years.