CHENNAI: People stepped out of their homes in droves and reached polling stations on Monday to assert their democratic right and voice their opinion loud and clear about those who rule them.
The state recorded an estimated 73.76 per cent turnout in the elections held to 232 Assembly constituencies, with polls in two segments being deferred to May 23 due to allegations of distribution of money for votes. TN has had a history of robust polling but Monday’s turnout did not inch past the percentage of votes that was polled five years ago, which was 78.20 per cent.
The 2016 Assembly elections were fought bereft of any major issue unlike past polls where one or a slew of issues set the agenda. Though all political parties promised to implement prohibition if they come to power, the issue did not become centerpiece of the elections.
The million-dollar question that remains to be answered is whether anti-incumbency, a term which people of Tamil Nadu are well familiar with, will play this time as well or Would vote for status quo. No political party has retained power since 1984 and the AIADMK is hoping to buck the trend by coming back to power banking heavily on its manifesto that has promised numerous freebies — waiving off all farmers’ loan and 50 per cent subsidy to women for buying mopeds.
On the other hand, the DMK appeared upbeat pinning its hope on possible anti-incumbency and its manifesto that has promised waiving off educational loans availed by students.
