Chennai, Apr 11:
A total of 4,023 candidates will contest the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, following the completion of the withdrawal of nominations on Thursday, marking a crucial milestone in the electoral process.
According to official data, the nomination phase, which commenced on March 30, witnessed a surge in participation with 7,599 nomination papers filed over four days. However, scrutiny led to the rejection of nearly 2,460 nominations due to invalid or incomplete documentation, significantly narrowing the field.
Among constituencies, Karur recorded the highest number of candidates at 79, reflecting intense political competition in the region. It was followed by Perambur with 47 candidates, Kolathur with 35, and Paramathi-Velur with 31.
On the other end of the spectrum, Ambasamudram saw the least number of candidates at just five, while Udhagamandalam, Gudalur, and Coonoor each had six candidates in the fray.
The election has drawn several high-profile political figures. Key contenders include Chief Minister M. K. Stalin contesting from Kolathur, AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami from Edappadi, actor-turned-politician Joseph Vijay, Naam Tamilar Katchi chief Seeman, and DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin. DMDK leader Premalatha Vijayakanth is also among the prominent candidates.