New Delhi, Apr 23 (PTI) Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday urged the people of Tamil Nadu to exercise their democratic right to ensure inclusive welfare and take a stand against those who want to “snatch” federal rights.
In a post on X, Kharge said, “Dear brothers and sisters of Tamil Nadu, the fight today is to secure your rights. The fight is to protect federalism, rationality, equality, justice and freedom.
“It is time for you to exercise your Democratic right and take a stand against those who want to snatch your federal rights,” Kharge said.
“It is also to ensure inclusive welfare and retain the ideals of social justice espoused by your icons,” the Congress chief said.
He especially urged the first-time voters to come out in large numbers and vote for the future of Tamil Nadu.
Voting for 234 Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu commenced at 7 am on Thursday amid tight security, with people briskly lining up in front of the polling stations across the state.
The DMK, which heads the Secular Progressive Alliance, is seeking to retain power and is leading a multi-party coalition that includes the Congress, Left parties and the VCK.
The AIADMK, heading the National Democratic Alliance, on the other hand, is pushing for a return to power with allies BJP, AMMK and PMK, among others, in tow.
Actor Vijay-led TVK is attempting to break the decades-long tradition of DMK and AIADMK alternatively ruling the state and forming its government.
Tamil Nadu’s electorate is 5.73 crore-strong, who will vote in 75,064 polling stations across 33,133 locations to decide the fortunes of 4,023 candidates.
The total electorate comprises 2.93 women, 2.83 crore men, and 7,728 third-gender persons.
The results will be out on May 4. PTI ASK ARI
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