Palaniswami Thanks Voters, NDA Allies After Record Turnout in Tamil Nadu Polls

Chennai, April 2026 : Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly and General Secretary of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Saturday expressed heartfelt gratitude to voters and alliance partners following the conclusion of polling in the 2026 Assembly elections held on April 23.

In a detailed message shared on social media platform X, Palaniswami hailed the electorate for what he described as a “record-breaking” turnout, despite challenging weather conditions. He commended voters across the state for their enthusiasm and commitment to democracy, noting that people stood in long queues from early morning until evening to cast their ballots.

“I express my heartfelt gratitude to the great voters of Tamil Nadu who, braving the scorching heat, ensured the highest voter turnout in the state’s history,” he said, praising their determination and civic responsibility.

Projecting confidence ahead of the results, Palaniswami predicted a decisive victory for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which includes the AIADMK and its partners such as the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Pattali Makkal Katchi. He said the anticipated win would be dedicated to the legacy of the party’s iconic leader, J. Jayalalithaa, fondly referred to as “Amma.”

“With the immense support of the people, our alliance will achieve a resounding victory. We dedicate this victory to our beloved leader Amma. Victory will be ours,” he stated.

Palaniswami also acknowledged the relentless efforts of party workers and alliance leaders who campaigned across the state under difficult conditions. He thanked AIADMK cadres and NDA partners for their dedication, noting that they worked tirelessly despite intense heat to connect with voters until the final day of campaigning.

He extended special appreciation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for campaigning in support of NDA candidates, along with Union ministers, chief ministers from other states, and senior alliance leaders who contributed to the campaign.

At the same time, Palaniswami launched a sharp attack on the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), alleging widespread dissatisfaction among the public. He claimed that voters were disillusioned with what he described as the “incompetence” of the current government.

“We have witnessed the anger and frustration of the people towards the DMK government,” he said, suggesting that the electorate is ready for change.

Raising concerns about the integrity of the post-poll process, Palaniswami alleged that the ruling party might attempt to influence the outcome through indirect means. He warned that there could be efforts to create disturbances and manipulate results, and urged party workers to remain alert.

With counting scheduled for May 4, he called upon representatives from the AIADMK and its allies to closely monitor the counting process and ensure transparency. Emphasising unity and discipline, he said that coordinated vigilance would be key to safeguarding the mandate of the people.

According to data from the Election Commission of India, polling concluded at 6 p.m. with an overall voter turnout of 84.80 percent, reflecting strong public participation. Several districts recorded exceptionally high turnout figures, with Karur leading at 92.48 percent, followed by Salem (90.42 percent), Dharmapuri (90.02 percent), Erode (89.97 percent), and Namakkal (89.63 percent).

The high turnout, conducted under tight security arrangements, underscores the intensity of the electoral contest. As the state awaits the results, Palaniswami and the NDA remain optimistic that the electorate’s strong participation will translate into a decisive mandate in their favour.