| S VENKATESHWARAN |
The much-awaited 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections across
all 234 constituencies in the state concluded Thursday, April
23, 2026.
In Nanganallur, there was an impressive turnout of voters,
especially senior citizens, who came forward in large numbers
to vote, despite the scorching heat.
Across Tamil Nadu, over 5.73 crore voters are set to decide the
electoral fate of 4,023 candidates contesting in this election.
At many polling booths in Nanganallur, enthusiastic voters were
seen standing patiently in queues to cast their votes.
Special arrangements were made for senior citizens, allowing
them to vote without waiting in long queues. Despite physical
difficulties, many elderly voters walked to the booths with
determination. Some were supported by family members, while
others used assistive devices.
Wheelchair facilities were also provided at the polling stations,
and many senior citizens made use of this service with the help
of election staff. They expressed their strong commitment to
voting and highlighted the importance of fulfilling their
democratic duty.
FOSCATAN president and Federation of Nanganallur Welfare
Associations advisor, Mr. V. Rama Rao (85), and his wife Mrs.
Mohana Rama Rao (79) cast their votes at Chellammal School
in Nanganallur using the wheelchair facility.
Local resident, Mr. R.V. Ramanujan. and his wife also shared
their feedback, stating that the arrangements made by the
Election Commission were very good.
In several polling booths, selfie photo stations were set up by
the Election Commission to encourage voter participation. One
such booth was seen in the Madipakkam area.
From Madipakkam, Mr. Saravanakumar, president of
Madipakkam Social Service (MSS) Trust, and Mr. Arumugam
from the Trust, participated in the voting process. After casting
their votes, they took a picture at the selfie booth set up at the
polling station and encouraged the public to exercise their
democratic right.
A middle-aged voter, who did not wish to reveal his name,
shared that he had come from Bengaluru just to cast his vote at
Chennai Primary School on 6th Main Road, Nanganallur. He
appreciated the smooth arrangements and said there was no
confusion or inconvenience during voting.
Overall, voters appreciated the efforts taken for senior citizens,
though some suggested increasing the number of wheelchairs
to reduce waiting time. Still, the general feedback remained
very positive, with many praising the well-managed process.
In addition, to encourage women voters, a special Pink Polling
Booth was set up in Alandur by the Election Commission. This
initiative was well-received by women voters, including families
of police personnel living in nearby quarters. A police officer
mentioned that such arrangements made it easier for women to
vote, especially when their family members were on duty
elsewhere.
The large participation of senior citizens and the special
initiatives taken for voters clearly reflect the strong democratic
spirit of Nanganallur and its commitment towards inclusive and
accessible elections.
