That this election would see a higher percentage of polling was a given, considering it being the first election after the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) was carried out across the State. The base getting reduced by 67 lakh names was expected to automatically increase the percentage. After earlier SIR exercises, turnout rose from 59.01% in 2001 to 70.82% in 2006.

However, the absolute numbers also went up, as voters – particularly the youth and first-timers among them – turned out in large numbers, forming long queues at polling stations from the early hours despite the heat.

Though many Vijay faithfuls claimed on social media that the youth surge would favour TVK, observers and analysts are mostly split on party lines as to which front or party would benefit from this voter surge.

Sources in the DMK and AIADMK remained tightlipped and refused to reveal what their internal assessments are, though some of them admitted that the votes that Vijay fetches would decide the fate in several constituencies.

While 118 is the magic number for the 234-member State Assembly, an important aspect that the Dravidian majors have to factor in is the loud pre-poll chorus from alliance partners for share in power. If the DMK or AIADMK fail to cross the middle point, they may have to share the pie, however much reluctant they are and whatever the history of Tamil Nadu politics may be.

Among different regions in the State, the Kongu belt in west and north led the turnout right from morning. Districts such as Tirupur (20.38%), Namakkal (19.83%), Salem (19.46%), and Erode (19.55%) recorded brisk polling in the first two hours itself.