Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026 enter a crucial phase on Thursday as the final list of candidates is set to be released following the last date for withdrawal of nominations.

Polling in Tamil Nadu is scheduled for April 23, with election authorities completing key pre-poll processes, including scrutiny and candidate withdrawals.

The filing of nominations began on March 30 and concluded on April 6, spanning four working days due to intervening holidays. A sharp surge in filings was recorded towards the deadline, indicating intensified political activity across constituencies.

According to the Election Commission of India, 573 nominations were submitted on the first day, rising to 1,361 on the second. The number climbed significantly to 3,430 on the third day, before peaking at 7,599 on the final day of filing.

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All nomination papers underwent scrutiny on April 7 by Returning Officers across constituencies. Following verification, 5,081 nominations were declared valid, while 2,480 were rejected. An additional 38 candidates withdrew after the scrutiny process.

Thursday marks the final window for withdrawals, open from 11 am to 3 pm, during which candidates or their authorised representatives can submit formal requests. Once the process concludes, the Election Commission will publish the final list of contesting candidates, a key milestone in the Tamil Nadu elections 2026.

Officials said the confirmed candidate list will be used to prepare ballot units for Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), including names, party symbols and colour photographs. Printing and logistical arrangements are underway to ensure timely deployment.

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With the final candidate list Tamil Nadu elections expected later in the day, political parties are set to ramp up campaign efforts across the state, intensifying outreach ahead of polling in what is shaping up to be a closely watched electoral battle.

IANS