Tamil Nadu polls: Paid holiday announced for voters living in Kerala on polling day

NEW DELHI: A paid holiday has been announced for residents of Tamil Nadu living in Kerala on Thursday, the day of polling in Tamil Nadu, according to the CEO Office.The high-intensity election campaign in Tamil Nadu, which continued for over a month, concluded on Tuesday. The campaign was marked by sharp exchanges over issues such as delimitation, corruption, law and order, and allegations that at times bordered on personal attacks.Security arrangements have been tightened in sensitive areas across Tamil Nadu ahead of the polling.The election sees the DMK contesting 164 seats out of 234 constituencies, while its allies are contesting in 70 constituencies. The AIADMK is contesting 169 seats, with its allies in the fray in 65 constituencies.The poll battle has gained further attention with the entry of actor Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, which is contesting all constituencies. Former film director Seeman-led Naam Tamilar Katchi is also contesting all 234 seats, making the contest a four-cornered fight.The DMK has also roped in actor-politician Kamal Haasan, who heads Makkal Needhi Maiam, to campaign against Vijay, who is making his electoral debut by contesting from Perambur and Tiruchirappalli East constituencies.A total of 4,023 candidates are in the fray, and 5,73,43,291 electors are expected to exercise their franchise.Polling will be held on April 23. Votes will be counted on May 4, and the results will be announced thereafter.