Although Tamil Nadu’s single-phase polling ended peacefully on Thursday, the first phase of the two-phase West Bengal Assembly elections witnessed sporadic incidents of violence. One difference between the states was in the movement of people turning out to vote. In West Bengal, a net exporter of workers to other states, those intending to vote had already made their way home. But the transport system in Tamil Nadu came under a huge strain at the last moment as lakhs left Chennai to vote in their constituencies, causing voters to spend hours on the road before exercising their franchise. However, voter enthusiasm was palpable in both states. It was reflected in the 85.15 percent turnout in Tamil Nadu, one of the highest in the state’s history, despite localized boycotts in Vengaivayal, Nanguneri and several other pockets in protest against the government’s alleged inaction on recent caste-related violence. In West Bengal, the turnout in the first phase had reached a record 91.91 percent at the time of going to press.
As a multi-cornered contest, this election in Tamil Nadu is more difficult for psychologists to analyze. Vijay’s debut Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam has sparked fresh excitement in what was traditionally a straight fight between the two Dravidian heavyweights, the DMK and the AIADMK. Another key factor is the revival of the AIADMK-BJP alliance, further strengthened by the inclusion of the PMK, which has emerged as a significant force, especially in the western and northern regions of the state. This has made the contest a close three-way battle, with the AIADMK and TVK-led alliance showing strength in the final stretch of the campaign.
Vijay’s entry has generated considerable enthusiasm among young voters and sections of the urban electorate. However, whether his party can emerge as a credible alternative remains to be seen, despite coming back from the shadow of the Karuri debacle last September. Although the incident had raised serious questions about his political future, his subsequent revival appears to have left his rivals unsettled.
