Chennai, May 4: Early trends from postal ballots as counting began at 8 a.m. in Tamil Nadu showed key leaders taking initial leads in their respective constituencies.
Chief Minister M. K. Stalin is leading in Kolathur, while former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami is ahead in Edappadi.
Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has taken an early lead in Chepauk–Thiruvallikeni.
Officials cautioned that these leads are based only on postal ballot counting, which is taken up first, and do not reflect the overall trend. More definitive leads are expected as counting of votes recorded in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) progresses through the morning.
Counting is being carried out across 62 centres covering votes from over 75,000 polling stations, with multi-layer security in place and strict restrictions on electronic devices inside counting halls.
Election authorities said early trends typically fluctuate significantly during the first few rounds, and any clear picture will emerge only after multiple rounds of EVM counting are completed.
A high voter turnout of over 85% in the April 23 polling has added to the unpredictability of the results, with both incumbents and challengers banking on strong regional performances.
With a three-cornered contest shaping the election, the early postal ballot leads are being closely watched but are not yet indicative of the final outcome.
Follow All Election Updates – Pugazh Murugan