In the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections, Tamil Nadu saw a substantial voter turnout of 69.72% across its 39 constituencies on April 19th. The primary electoral contest in the state is between three main alliances: the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), led by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)-led alliance, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
The AIADMK alliance consists of AIADMK contesting 32 seats and Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) contesting 5 seats. Prior to September 2023, AIADMK and BJP were in alliance, but they subsequently separated. The NDA, on the other hand, primarily comprises of BJP contesting 19 seats and Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) contesting 10 seats. Other notable parties contesting in all 39 constituencies include Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).
The political landscape in Tamil Nadu has been marked by the recent break-up between AIADMK and BJP, potentially benefiting the DMK alliance. As the election progresses, it remains to be seen how these alliances and the voter turnout will ultimately shape the outcome in Tamil Nadu.
