Early trends of Lok Sabha results clearly indicate the ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) emerging in a big way.
According to the Election Commission of India, the AIADMK was leading in 37 constituencies out of 39 at the end of first round around 11.00 am.
As a party enjoying better vote share, the AIADMK seems to have benefitted from the multi-cornered contest in the State. The DMK, which went to polls along with two major Muslim outfits and Dalit parties, has failed to capitalise on the minority votes. As of now, the DMK is not even leading in a single seat. Former IT Ministers A. Raja and Dayanidhi Maran are trailing in The Nilgiris and Chennai Central constituencies respectively.
Though the BJP is emerging as the single largest party in the country and the NDA poised to form the next government at the Centre, the party’s mega alliance in Tamil Nadu, including Vijayakant’s DMDK, Vaiko’s MDMK and Dr. Ramadoss’s PMK, has not been able to make any headway.
Early trends also show that MDMK general secretary Vaiko is trailing in Virudhunagar constituency. The only solace for the BJP is its State president Pon. Radhakrishnan is leading in Kanyakumari and its alliance partner Anbumani Ramadoss leading in Dharmapuri.
Special correspondent reports:
R. Radhakrishnan of the ruling AINRC has edged ahead of his rival V. Narayanasamy of the Congress. When reports last came in, Mr. Radhakrishnan was ahead by 5,256 votes in the lone Lok Sabha constituency of Puducherry.
