When Tamil Nadu prepares for its Assembly elections on April 23, one polling booth will notably stand out. Nestled atop Vellimalai in Varusanadu within Theni district, this booth will cater to just five voters, highlighting the unique challenges faced in remote regions. Reaching this location necessitates a three-hour trek for polling officials through difficult terrain, a fact brought to light during a media briefing in New Delhi by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Following the election schedule announcement, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) took effect in Tamil Nadu, impacting candidates, political parties, and government entities, as stated by Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik. This regulatory framework is set to remain in place for over a month and a half, ensuring fair electoral practices.
The Election Commission has mandated that District Election Officers (DEOs) keep a vigilant eye on large cash transactions, with particular scrutiny on withdrawals or deposits exceeding ₹1 lakh. Any financial movement surpassing ₹10 lakh must be reported to the Income Tax Department for further investigation. The Financial Intelligence Unit of India has also been enlisted to share Cash Transaction Reports (CTRs) and Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) with the Central Board of Direct Taxes to enhance oversight of candidates’ election expenditures.
The current term of the 16th Tamil Nadu Assembly is scheduled to conclude on May 10. As of mid-March, the total electorate stands at approximately 5.67 crore, comprising 5.67 crore general voters and 67,056 service voters. Notably, over 12.51 lakh voters fall within the 18-19 age demographic, alongside 2,530 centenarians. Approximately 3.99 lakh voters are aged 85 or older, and more than 1.05 crore are between the ages of 20 and 29.
The state will feature 75,032 polling booths, with 44,065 located in rural areas and 30,967 in urban settings. Each booth is expected to average about 756 voters. Out of the total, 265 booths are designated as model booths, and 258 will be managed by women, promoting inclusivity in the electoral process. Additionally, webcasting will be implemented at all booths to ensure transparency.
Among the 234 Assembly constituencies, 44 are reserved for candidates from the Scheduled Castes, while two are allocated for candidates from the Scheduled Tribes, reflecting the commitment to representation in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape.
As the state gears up for its critical Assembly elections, measures for electoral integrity and voter accessibility remain at the forefront of the electoral process, underscoring the importance of inclusive participation in Tamil Nadu’s democracy.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/elections/tamil-nadu-assembly/a-polling-booth-in-tamil-nadu-stands-out-with-just-5-voters/article70746810.ece
Category : Tamil Nadu
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Publish Date: 2026-03-15 22:37:00
