The DMK leads in 118 seats, while the AIADMK is up in 80. Congress leads in 12 seats, PMK in 10 and the BJP in four.
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.
Half an hour into counting, DMK seems to be leading in 10 seats, while AIADMK is up in six seats.
The counting of votes polled in 822 assembly constituencies in Kerala, West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry is underway amid tight Covid-19 guidelines.
Exit Poll has projected the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led alliance comprising Congress and others to emerge victorious over the AIADMK and its allies allowing MK Stalin to likely become the CM for the first time ever.
The decision comes a day after the Madras High Court took the Election Commission to task while hearing a suo motu case concerning the management of the Covid situation in Tamil Nadu.
At 6 pm, the polling percentage recorded in the following states is — Assam (78.94%), Kerala (69.95%), Tamil Nadu (65.08%), West Bengal (77.68%), and Puducherry (77.90%).
Sadhguru cast his vote at the Coimbatore Government Tribes High School in Muttathuvayal and hoped that more people will participate in the "Dance of Democracy" like him.
DMK's KN Nehru, contesting from the Tiruchirapalli West assembly constituency, had recently been the face of another controversy wherein he was accused of bribing police personnel in the constituency.
The Election Commission had made elaborate arrangements to ensure the smooth progress of voting in 4 states and the Union Territory of Puducherry with adequate emphasis on maintaining Covid-appropriate behaviour. Let's take a look.
In-depth coverage of Tamil Nadu elections, alliances, and voter surveys - Asianet Newsable