Tamil Nadu Exit Polls 2024: INDIA bloc may sweep the state with over 36 seats

Tamil Nadu witnessed a three-way race between the BJP-led NDA, the AIADMK and the INDIA bloc comprising the DMK, Congress and other parties.

The INDIA bloc is predicted to sweep Tamil Nadu Lok Sabha elections with a seat tally between 36-39 seats, according to the News18 Mega Exit Poll released on Saturday evening. It also predicted 1-3 seats for the BJP in the state.

Tamil Nadu Lok Sabha elections have always been a battle between the DMK and AIADMK. However, for the first time since 1967, Tamil Nadu is now expected to see the emergence of a third force — BJP.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made nearly a dozen visits to the state since the election dates were announced, with roadshows in Chennai on the agenda. However, the focus was on the Coimbatore region, in which the BJP has had some sway since the serial blasts of 1998.The BJP formed alliances with smaller regional parties and is contesting 23 seats, while its allies, including Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), Tamil Maanila Congress (Moopanar), and Amma Makkal Munnettra Kazhagam (AMMK), are contesting the remaining seats.

Meanwhile, the DMK and Congress are part of the Opposition's INDIA bloc, which also includes CPI, CPIM, VCK, IUML, and MDMK. The AIADMK-led alliance features parties like DMDK, PT, and SDPI.

In the 2019 elections, the DMK, led by Chief Minister M K Stalin, won 38 out of 39 seats.

The state recorded a voter turnout of 72.09% in the Lok Sabha polls held in a single phase on April 19. In 2019, the state had registered 72.44% polling.

In a post on X, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin said, "Our INDIA bloc, formed to defeat the ten-year fascist regime of the BJP and save India, has met the expectations of the people and stands on the cusp of victory. It has rallied a formidable coalition of democratic forces against the BJP, who thought there was nobody to challenge them. This alliance now offers hope to all Indians in the electoral arena."