Despite EC ban on victory processions, DMK workers celebrate in large numbers

The DMK-led alliance is racing ahead in Tamil Nadu and looks set to form a government after a decade, with the ruling AIADMK, facing anti-incumbency, a distant second, early trends indicate.

According to the Election Commission, the MK Stalin-led DMK alliance is leading in over 130 seats, while the AIADMK is leading in 81. In terms of vote share, DMK has garnered nearly 37% of votes, while AIADMK has nearly 35%. DMK workers and supporters have already started celebrating outside Anna Arivalayam, the party headquarters in Chennai.

However, despite a ban on victory processions imposed by the Election Commission (EC) in the wake of rising Covid-19 cases in the country, DMK workers and supporters were seen celebrating in large numbers outside Anna Arivalayam, the party headquarters here, as official trends show the party leading.

In the wake of inconceivable gush in the number of Covid-19 cases, the Election Commission had earlier banned all victory processions on or after the day of the counting of votes.

The order copy by the Election Commission read, "In view of the surge in Covid-19 cases throughout the country, the Commission has decided to make more stringent provision to be followed during the process of Counting, in addition to exiting Broad Guidelines dated 21st August, 2020 and has directed that no victory procession after the counting on 2.5.2021 shall be permissible."

As the counting of votes for the single-phased Tamil Nadu Assembly elections is underway, initial trends show the ruling AIADMK leading in 81 seats while the DMK leading in 98 seats.

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• DMK
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• victory processions
• Election Commission