2011 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election

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2011 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election
Flag of India.svg
  2006 13 April 2011 [1] 2016  

All 234 seats in the Legislature of Tamil Nadu
118 seats needed for a majority
Turnout78.29% (Increase2.svg7.73%)
 First partySecond party
 
J Jayalalithaa.jpg
M. Karunanidhi .jpg
Leader J. Jayalalithaa M. Karunanidhi
Party AIADMK DMK
Alliance AIADMK Alliance+LF UPA+DPA
Leader since 1989 1969
Leader's seat Srirangam Thiruvarur
Last election69 seats163 seats
Seats before73160
Seats won20331
Seat changeIncrease2.svg130Decrease2.svg129
Popular vote19,085,76214,530,215
Percentage51.93%39.50%
SwingIncrease2.svg12.02pp Decrease2.svg5.30pp

2011 Tamil Nadu Election results map.svg
2011 Tamil Nadu Election Alliance wise results map.svg

2011 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Composition.svg
2011 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Alliance Wise.svg

Chief Minister before election

M. Karunanidhi
DMK

Chief Minister

J. Jayalalithaa
AIADMK

The Fourteenth Legislative Assembly Election was held on 13 April 2011 to elect members from 234 constituencies in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Results were released on 13 May 2011. Two major parties Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) faced the election as coalitions of multiple political parties: DMK front consisted of 8 parties and the AIADMK of 11 parties. Vijayakanth's Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), which had contested the previous elections independently, allied with the AIADMK coalition. Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam boycotted the election following a disagreement with Jayalalithaa over seat-sharing. The outgoing Karunanidhi government was noted for the construction of new assembly building in Chennai, execution of various developmental projects, and implementation of programmes including free health care for the poor and issuance of a range of freebies such as color television to all. However, these were heavily overshadowed by other major issues such as incessant power cuts in households and industries, excessive sand mining, increasing prices of essential items, 2G spectrum case and undue influence of Karunanidhi's extended family in various aspects of Tamil politics and business and even media.

Contents

The election commission enforced stringent measures to curb the widespread abuse of power to bribe voters that were common in previous elections; it also imposed strict campaign discipline by imposing the 10 PM curfew. The commission headed by the chief election officer Praveen Kumar was commended for conducting the election strictly and fairly. The election recorded the highest polling ever in the state - 77.8% of the total electorate voted in the election surpassing 76.57% polled in 1967 election.

AIADMK front won the election-winning in 203 constituencies; the AIADMK party alone secured a massive majority in a landslide by carrying 150 seats and became eligible to form the government without requiring the support of its coalition partners. DMDK won 29 seats, more than the 23 seats won by DMK, and opted to serve as the official opposition party. Political analysts concluded that the election was a referendum on the outgoing DMK government and the powerful anti-incumbency sentiment helped the AIADMK coalition. J. Jayalalithaa along with 33 ministers was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for the fourth time on 16 May 2011 by the governor Surjit Singh Barnala.

Background

Rising food prices was an important issue in this election, especially for the poor who make up a large portion of the ruling parties' electorate Veggie Man.jpg
Rising food prices was an important issue in this election, especially for the poor who make up a large portion of the ruling parties' electorate

The Karunanidhi administration was noted for various developmental projects and generous spending of the tax money for the implementation of various free schemes and issuance of freebies: The government provided 1 kg rice for 1 rupee, free health insurance for poor, free colour television and gas stove for all. It also provided job for over 500,000 people in various departments of the government and introduced free concrete house scheme for the poor. It also implemented various road, bridge and drinking water projects in Chennai and all over Tamil Nadu. However, the election was dominated by four major issues, increase in price of essential commodities, 2G spectrum case, Power outage and nepotism. Inflation was high during late 2010 to early 2011; The price of food and other essential commodities had increased exponentially affecting middle class and poor people: Onions were sold for Rs. 100, tomatoes for Rs. 80 and Jasmine flower for Rs. 1200 per kilo gram. This historical rise in price of essential food items was believed to be due to increased rainfall in North Indian states. [2] [3] The key issue that affected the people was electricity shortage in the State. [4] [5] [6] The 2G spectrum case involved the issue of 122 licenses of the 2G spectrum to 85 companies including many new telecom companies with little or no experience in the telecom sector at a price set in the year 2001. The case was alleged to have costed 677.19 billion (US$15.03 billion) to the Indian exchequer. A. Raja, Union telecommunications minister from Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam was arrested by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in relation to the case. Kanimozhi, Rajya Sabha member from DMK and Chief minister's daughter and Sharad Kumar of Kalaignar TV were also included in the chargesheet filed by CBI. The five years of Karunanidhi's rule also saw an undue influence of his extended family members in various aspects of Tamil business and politics [7] In late 2010, Jayalalithaa as an opposition leader held three big rallies to protest against the price rise and policies of UPA Government at the Centre and DMK Government in the State. The public meetings took place at Coimbatore on July 13, Trichy on August 14 and Madurai on October 18. These rallies drew lakhs of people, were seen as the shows of strength by the AIADMK ahead of the 2011 Assembly Election. [8] [9] [10] [11]

Parties and coalitions

All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam coalition

Electoral alliances began to take shape in late 2010. J. Jayalalithaa, the leader of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) characterised the election as a turning point in Tamil Nadu history similar to 1967 election. She was alluding to the major political changes that took place in Tamil Nadu after 1967 election in which Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam defeated Indian National Congress for the first time and subsequently, Congress has then never won an election in the state until date. [12]

Manithaneya Makkal Katchi, political wing of Tamil Nadu Muslim Munnetra Kazhagam (TMMK) constituted a five-member committee to hold consultations with All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) for seat sharing. The party had decided to support AIADMK in a resolution adopted at a high-level meeting citing deteriorating law and order and corruption. [13] Naam Tamilar Iyakkam coordinator Seeman also expressed his support for AIADMK on 10 January and said his decision is based on his opposition to INC which he claimed works against the interests of Sri Lankan Tamils. [14] Cho Ramaswamy, founder of Thuglak magazine, was actively involved in the formation of alliances. He supported AIADMK and encouraged other parties to do so as well. On the 41st anniversary of the founding of Thuglak on 14 January, he delivered an address that strongly opposed ruling DMK party. He encouraged Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) to forge an alliance with AIADMK. [15] Communist Party of India Tamil Nadu state secretary D. Pandian also called for DMDK to join the AIADMK coalition to defeat DMK [16] and officially announced the continuation of CPI's coalition with AIADMK on 29 January. [17] Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) announced its decision to contest the election with AIADMK on 25 January. [18]

Despite the strained relationship between Indian National Congress (INC) and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), [19] AIADMK general secretary Jayalalithaa ruled out coalition with INC on 19 January. [20] Tamil actor Karthik announced his party's (Ahila India Naadalum Makkal Katchi) support to AIADMK after meeting Jayalalithaa on 19 January. [21] Hindu Munnani leader Rama Gopalan ruled out support to AIADMK coalition on 20 January citing the participation of anti-Hindu forces in the fold. [22] DMDK officially announced their alliance with AIADMK and started their negotiations. This brought to an end the possibilities of third front and DMDK contesting the elections on their own. [23]

Vijay's Makkal Iyakkam supported AIADMK Front. He delivered a speech in a rally attended by an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 people in Nagapattinam on 22 February condemning the actions of Sri Lankan military against Tamil Nadu fishermen. [24] [25] S. A. Chandrasekhar, noted film director and father of actor Vijay met with Jayalalithaa three times during the run-up to the election and announced Makkal Iyakkam's decision to support the AIADMK front in Tiruchirappalli on 27 March. [26] [27]

Seat allotment

In the middle of March, amidst discussion to finalise the allocation of constituencies, AIADMK surprised its allies by unilaterally deciding the 160 constituencies in which it will field candidates. The list included constituencies won by the CPI, CPM, Forward Bloc and Pudhiya Thamizhagam in the previous election. Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) was not allotted any constituency. [28] After the coalition partners threatened to form a third front under DMDK, AIADMK gave in to their demands. Most of the seats AIADMK took from its alliance partners were given back bringing the standoff to an end. [29] However MDMK was not given the number of seats it asked for and hence Vaiko left AIADMK led alliance and boycotted the elections. [30]

The final seat allotment was:

Election map based on parties contesting under the AIADMK alliance. Colours are based on the AIADMK front table on the left 2011 tamil nadu legislative election map by parties contesting under aiadmk alliance.png
Election map based on parties contesting under the AIADMK alliance. Colours are based on the AIADMK front table on the left
S.NoPartyElection SymbolLeaderSeatsRef.
1. All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam Indian election symbol two leaves.svg J. Jayalalithaa 160 [31]
2. Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam Indian Election Symbol Nagara.svg Vijayakant 41 [32]
3. Communist Party of India CPI symbol.svg Tha Pandian 10 [33]
4. Communist Party of India (Marxist) CPI(M) election symbol - Hammer Sickle and Star.svg G. Ramakrishnan 12 [33]
5. Manithaneya Makkal Katchi Candle - Election Symbol.png M. H. Jawahirullah 3 [34]
6. Puthiya Tamilagam Dr. Krishnaswamy 2 [35]
7. All India Forward Bloc Indian Election Symbol Lion.svg P. V. Kathiravan 1 [36]
Unregistered parties, whose candidates ran under the AIADMK ticket
8. All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi

Indian election symbol two leaves.svg

R. Sarathkumar 2 [37]
9. Republican Party of India Indian election symbol two leaves.svg C. K. Thamizharasan 1 [35]
10. All India Moovendar Munnani Kazhagam

Indian election symbol two leaves.svg

N. Sedhuraman1 [35]
11. Tamil Nadu Kongu Ilaignar Peravai

Indian election symbol two leaves.svg

U.Thaniyarasu 1 [38]

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam coalition

PMK poster in Chennai
DMK was hoping to gain votes among the Vanniyar community with the addition of PMK, but that failed to materialise since they could only win 3 seats from 18 seats it won in 2006. With a disappointing performance in this election and losing all of the seats contested in 2009 Lok Sabha election when it allied with AIADMK, PMK is proving to no longer be an important player in Tamil Nadu politics Chennai2011 18.JPG
PMK poster in Chennai
DMK was hoping to gain votes among the Vanniyar community with the addition of PMK, but that failed to materialise since they could only win 3 seats from 18 seats it won in 2006. With a disappointing performance in this election and losing all of the seats contested in 2009 Lok Sabha election when it allied with AIADMK, PMK is proving to no longer be an important player in Tamil Nadu politics

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K. V. Thankabalu confirmed the continuation of his party's alliance with DMK on 21 January. [39] DMK pulled out of the ruling coalition at the centre on 5 March amid disagreements with Congress over seat sharing. [40] After three days, the parties struck a deal in which DMK gave in to the demand and allowed Congress to contest in 63 seats. [41] Abdul Rahman, Member of Parliament from Vellore constituency announced the continuation of Indian Union Muslim League's coalition with DMK on 24 January 2011. [42] After meeting Karunanidhi at his home on 16 January, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi leader Thol. Thirumavalavan said his party will work for the victory of DMK coalition. [43] In a speech given during the wedding of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister Periyakaruppan's son in Chennai, Karunanidhi expressed his desire to step down from Chiefministership and continue as the leader of the party. [44] Karunanidhi, during his trip to New Delhi for attending Chief Ministers meeting on 30 January, said that Indian National Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal, Muslim League and Pattali Makkal Katchi are in the DMK coalition. [45] But Ramadoss, the leader of PMK denied that and said no final decision has been taken on coalition. [46] However PMK later joined the DMK alliance and was allotted 31 seats. It was later reduced to 30 to accommodate Congress which was firm on contesting 63 seats. Mylapore MLA and actor-turned politician S. V. Shekhar, joined Congress on 6 February 2011 after being expelled from AIADMK in 2009. [47] Although Mylapore constituency was allotted to congress party, it did not give the chance to S.V. Shekhar. Instead the party allotted it to Jayanthi Thangabalu, the wife of TN Congress president K.V. Thangabalu. However her nomination was rejected by election commission citing incomplete submission of relevant documents. The nomination of K.V. Thangabalu, who was the replacement candidate was accepted making him the official congress candidate. [48]

Seat allotment

Upset over the tough posture adopted by the Congress during the seat-sharing negotiations, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam on 5 March decided to pull out its Ministers from the Union government and provide only issue-based support. A resolution to this effect was adopted at a meeting of the high-level committee of the party at Anna Arivalayam, the party headquarters. [49] But after days of intense bargaining, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the Congress on 9 March struck a deal, under which the Congress would contest 63 seats. [50]

The final seat allotment was:

Election map based on parties contesting under the DMK alliance. Colours are based on the DMK front table on the left 2011 tamil nadu legislative election map by parties contesting under dmk alliance.png
Election map based on parties contesting under the DMK alliance. Colours are based on the DMK front table on the left
No.PartyElection SymbolLeaderSeatsRef.
1. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam Indian election symbol rising sun.svg Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi 119 [51]
2. Indian National Congress Hand INC.svg K. V. Thangkabalu 63 [51]
3. Pattali Makkal Katchi Indian Election Symbol Mango SVG.svg Dr. Ramdoss 30 [51]
4. Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi

Candle - Election Symbol.png

Thol. Thirumavalavan 10 [51]
5. Kongunadu Munnetra Kazhagam Gas Cylinder.jpg 'Best' S.Ramasamy 7 [51]
Unregistered parties, whose candidates ran under the DMK ticket
6. Indian Union Muslim League Indian election symbol rising sun.svg K.M. Khader Mohideen3 [51]
7. Moovendar Munnetra Kazhagam Indian election symbol rising sun.svg G.M. Sreedhar Vandaiyar1 [51]
8. Perunthalaivar Makkal Katchi Indian election symbol rising sun.svg N.R. Dhanabalan1 [51]

Notes: Vithudalai Chiruthaigal Katchi Used Both Candles and Television symbol.

BJP Seat Allotment

PartyElection symbolLeaderSeats Contested
Bharatiya Janata Party Lotus flower symbol.svg Pon. Radhakrishnan 204
Janata Party Subramanian Swamy 10
Janata Dal (Secular) Indian election symbol female farmer.svg N. S. M. Gowda5

Other parties and associations

Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) boycotted the election following its withdrawal from the AIADMK alliance as AIADMK did not award the party any coalition constituency. [52] Makkal Sakthi Katchi, the party founded by Jayaprakash Narayan contested in 35 constituencies in 18 districts. Some of the candidates of the party were members/coordinators from the non-government organisation 5th Pillar who were famous for issuing zero rupees notes to fight corruption. The party was headed in Tamil Nadu by a steering committee composed of six people including Vijay Anand of 5th Pilar. [53] [54]

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) although a major force in North India had struggled to make a foothold in Tamil Nadu . BJP leader L.Ganesan declared on 13 January that BJP will go alone in the elections . [55] BJP announced its Candidate list on 18 March. [56] Subramanian swamy leader of Janata Party announced JP will face the elections in alliance with BJP and will contest in 10 seats. [57] JD(U) has announced it will contest 8 seats in alliance with BJP. [58]

Tamil film actor Karthik's Ahila India Naadalum Makkal Katchi entered the election as a member of AIADMK coalition. When no seat was allocated to his party by AIADMK, he decided to contest the election alone in 25 to 40 seats. [59] His party with sizeable Thevar votes in southern Tamil Nadu is believed to eat into the AIADMK votebank. In 2006, former AIADMK minister Nainar Nagendran lost by 2,000 votes in Tirunelveli, where Karthik's party polled more than the margin. [58] Two weeks later his split from AIADMK, he announced his party will contest independently in 19 constituencies and support DMK in 213 constituencies. [60]

Educationist-turned-politician T. R.Pachamuthu's Indiya Jananayaka Katchi (IJK) leads the third front. It comprises Tamizhaga Munnetra Kazhagam of John Pandian, Samooka Samathuva Padai of retired IAS officer, P Sivakami, Tamil Nadu Vanigar Peravai and VOC Peravai. The front is fielding candidates in more than 150 constituencies . [58] Political observers feel that the IJK could poll 3,000 to 5,000 votes in many constituencies in Cuddalore, Villupuram, Perambalur, Ariyalur and Salem districts where Pachamuthu's Udayar community has sizeable presence. The Samooka Samathuva Padai will mobilise significant dalit votes in constituencies like Tindivanam, Krishnarayapuram, Haroor and Gangavalli. Sivakami herself is contesting from Gangavalli . [58] John Pandian has some influence in Virudhunagar, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Dindigul and Tirunelveli districts. [58]

Bahujan Samaj Party which is ruling in Uttar Pradesh has decided to field candidates for all 234 seats and will be contesting alone . The party announced its candidate list on 18 March. [61] Puratchi Bharatham led by MLA JeganMurthy which was part of DMK alliance from 2004 left the alliance due to seat sharing issue. It contested 40 seats on its own. [62] Social Democratic Party of India has also plunged into the Tamil Nadu election fray with a view to garnering Muslim votes. They are concentrating on Coimbatore, Ramanathapuram and some parts of Chennai. Ahila Indiya Parampariya Meenavar Sangam decided to contest in 27 constituencies that constitute a major population of fishermen. The decision was made in a meeting of fishermen's unions from across Tamil Nadu held in Pattinapakkam headed by its general secretary Rubeshkumar. [63] Arundhathiar (a section of dalits) outfit headed by R Adhiyaman has fielded candidates in 20 segments in western Tamil Nadu .

Campaign

AIADMK front

AIADMK supporters in Chennai before polling. Chennai2011 29 01 (23).JPG
AIADMK supporters in Chennai before polling.

DMDK launched a vigorous campaign to defeat DMK; It made a resolution to call all parties to come together to defeat the ruling DMK in a conference held in Salem on 8 January presided over by its leader Vijayakanth. [64] AIADMK general secretary Jayalalithaa campaigned supporting the candidates of her alliance across the entire state from 24 March until on 11 April. [65] She promised to provide the people of Tamil Nadu with golden reign, if they voted out the ruling party. [66] From the Tamil film industry, film directors R. V. Udayakumar and S. A. Chandrasekhar and actors Vijay, [67] Senthil, Gundu Kalyanam, Ponnambalam, C. R. Saraswathi, Radha Ravi and Anandaraj campaigned for the AIADMK front. [68] Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Prakash Karat characterised the DMK's rule as a dark chapter in the history of Tamil Nadu and the 2G spectrum case had shamed its people. Communist Party of India general secretary A. B. Bardhan exhorted Jayalalithaa to lead the battle to unseat the corrupt regime at the centre after its victory in Tamil Nadu. [66]

DMK front

DMK posters in Chennai before polling. Chennai 29 01 (1).JPG
DMK posters in Chennai before polling.

S. Ramadoss, leader of Pattali Makkal Katchi expressed his dissatisfaction with people from film industry ruling Tamil Nadu since 1967. He also urged voters not to vote for Vijayakanth with long career as a Tamil actor. [69] Expressing dissatisfaction that he could not be elected to Chief Ministership, Ramadoss complained – in a meeting held in Mayilam – that Vanniars with a total population of 25 million in Tamil Nadu never elected one of their own for Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. [70] Kongunadu Munnetra Kazhagam (KMK), a political party in the western districts of Tamil Nadu, complained about the neglect of Kongu region by the successive governments in a conference held at Karur. Er. Eswaran, general secretary of KMK, urged the government to focus more on infrastructure development in the Kongu region. [71] Comedy actor Vadivelu campaigned for the DMK Front. [72] Telugu actor and politician Chiranjeevi who had recently merged his party Praja Rajyam with Congress in Andhra Pradesh also campaigned for the DMK front. [68] Actor turned Union Minister Napoleon, director K. Bhagyaraj, and actors Khushbu and Vaagai Chadrasekar campaigned for DMK . [73] [74] Congress President Sonia Gandhi shared the stage with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi in an election rally highlighting the strides made by the state under the latter's leadership. Addressing a rally near Marina beach in Chennai, Gandhi said Tamil Nadu had become a front-ranking state whose ideas of development and welfare were copied by the rest. [75] All India Congress Committee general secretary Rahul Gandhi appealed to the people of Tamil Nadu to support the Democratic Progressive Alliance to further the development and socialistic agenda of the State for the next five years. Addressing an election rally which was presided over by Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram, he said that Tamil Nadu was one of the most progressive States in the country. It had achieved an important place in industrial, textile, automobile sectors and information technology; A number of social welfare schemes were being implemented. It was leading in health care and higher education in the country. [76]

Manifestoes

The manifestoes of the two largest in the legislative assembly were:

AIADMK

AIADMK general secretary J. Jayalalithaa released election manifesto for the election that mentioned it would give: [77]

DMK

DMK president M. Karunanidhi released election manifesto for the election that mentioned it would give: [78]

Election Commission actions

The Chief Election Commissioner of India, S. Y. Quraishi addressing at the Observer's briefing meeting in New Delhi on March 10, 2011, for Legislative Assembly election of Tamil Nadu along with those of Assam, Kerala, West Bengal, and Puducherry S.Y Quraishi addressing at the Observer's briefing meeting for General Elections to the Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal & Puducherry, in New Delhi on March 10, 2011.jpg
The Chief Election Commissioner of India, S. Y. Quraishi addressing at the Observer’s briefing meeting in New Delhi on March 10, 2011, for Legislative Assembly election of Tamil Nadu along with those of Assam, Kerala, West Bengal, and Puducherry

The election commission was commended for conducting the election in a strict and fair manner. [79] [80] It enforced stringent measures to curb use of money power to bribe voters by paying them cash. It also strictly enforced 10 PM curfew on campaigning. DMK chief M Karunanidhi and his ally PMK founder S Ramadoss accused the EC of bringing about an emergency like situation in the State while such a situation was not prevalent in the other poll-bound States. CEC has said the people were happy about the conduct of elections, the CEC displayed an SMS from Chennai which read "earlier EC just announced elections. Only now they are conducting them. This is just one sample of people’s response". [81] Some of the actions taken by Returning officers in the State

Cases registered

Opinion polls

Pre-poll surveys

Most non-partisan pre-polls found AIADMK+ winning comfortably in this election. The pre-polls indicated a great deal of anger towards the incumbent government, due to corruption allegations and recent food price rises. Also AIADMK was aided by including DMDK and its leader Vijaykanth, which has had on average a 10% vote share in recent elections in Tamil Nadu. [89]

AgencyDatesDMK+AIADMK+Ref.
Headlines Today–ORG Poll1 April 201168 seats45%164 seats50% [89]
"People studies" - Loyola College, Chennai 21–29 March 201170 seats42%105 seats49% [90]
[91]

Post-poll surveys

The above bar graph shows the differences in margin of victory (seats) between opinion polling and final results. Green represents the polling agency made the correct prediction (AIADMK+ victory/lead)
Red represents the polling agency made the wrong prediction (DMK+ victory/lead) Opinion polling in Tamil Nadu assembly election 2011.png
The above bar graph shows the differences in margin of victory (seats) between opinion polling and final results. Green represents the polling agency made the correct prediction (AIADMK+ victory/lead)
Red represents the polling agency made the wrong prediction (DMK+ victory/lead)

Since exit polls are banned by ECI, Headlines Today-ORG Poll, conducted a post-poll survey, where they polled voters after they voted in their houses. [92] Post polls conducted by Headlines Today-ORG Poll, found this election to be a toss-up, with DMK gaining a lot of ground in the last few weeks before the election. The exit poll particularly noted a late swing towards the incumbent in the rural communities of Tamil Nadu, which allowed the DMK and its alliance to increase its overall vote share percentage from 45% in the pre-poll survey to 50% post-poll. A couple of weeks after the Headlines today post poll, a few post polls showed the exact opposite result, with CNN-IBN and Asianet post poll giving AIADMK+, the majority of the same margin.

AgencyDate reportedDMK+AIADMK+Ref.
Headlines Today–ORG Poll28 April 2011115-130 seats50%105-120 seats48% [93]
CNN-IBN-The Week post-poll survey10 May 2011102-114 seats44%120-132 seats46% [94]
Asianet-C Fore Poll10 May 2011117 seats132 seats [95]
STAR News 10 May 2011124 seats110 seats
CVB - NewsX-CVoter10 May 201154-62 seats176 seats

Polling

Source: Tamil Nadu Election Website [96]

Poll notification was issued on 19 March. The last date of filing nominations was 26 March and candidates were allowed to withdraw their nominations until 30 March. The state election commission scrutinised the nominations on 28 March. Election was held in a single phase on 13 April 2011. [97] 77.8% of the electorate voted in the election, the highest ever in the history of all elections conducted in Tamil Nadu surpassing 76.57% polled in 1967 election. Karur district registered highest turnout of 86.4% followed by Ariyalur district of 84.1%. Chennai district and Kanyakumari district polled the lowest number of votes, 68.2% and 69% respectively. [98] [99]

CategoryPolledTurnout %
Men18,381,23677.71%
Women18,371,74478.54%
Total36,753,11478.12%

Result

Results by pre-poll alliance

Election map of results based on parties 2011 Tamil Nadu Legislative Election Map by Parties.svg
Election map of results based on parties
Election map based on % seats won by district 2011 tamil nadu legislative seat wise election map by districts.png
Election map based on % seats won by district
Summary of the 2011 April/May Assembly election result in Tamil Nadu
Alliance/PartySeats wonChangePopular voteVote %Adj. %
AIADMK+ alliance 203+13019,085,76251.9%
AIADMK 150+9314,150,28938.4%53.9%
DMDK 29+282,903,8287.9%44.8%
CPI(M) 10+1888,3642.4%50.3%
CPI 9+3727,3942.0%48.6%
MNMK 2+2181,1800.5%42.4%
PT 2+2146,4540.4%54.3%
AIFB 1+188,2530.2%51.2%
DMK+ alliance31-12614,530,21539.5%
DMK 23-778,249,99122.4%42.1%
INC 5-323,426,4329.3%35.6%
PMK 3-151,927,7835.2%39.6%
VCK 0-2555,9651.5%34.0%
KMK 0370,0441.0%32.5%
Others0-43,137,1378.5%
BJP 0819,5772.2%2.6%
MDMK -3
IND and others 0-12,120,4765.8%N/A
Total23436,845,373100%
Valid votes36,845,37399.89
Invalid votes40,8530.11
Votes cast / turnout36,886,226 78.29
Abstentions10,229,62021.71
Registered voters47,115,846

: MDMK left the AIADMK alliance due to failed seat sharing talks and boycotted this election.
: Vote % reflects the percentage of votes the party received compared to the entire electorate that voted in this election. Adjusted (Adj.) Vote %, reflects the average % of votes the party received per constituency that they contested.
Sources: Election Commission of India and Hindu Newspaper [100] [101] [102]

By constituency

Winner, runner-up, voter turnout, and victory margin in every constituency
Assembly ConstituencyWinnerRunner UpMargin
#kNameCandidatePartyVotes%CandidatePartyVotes%
1 Gummidipoondi C. H. Sekar DMDK 97,70854.4Sekar  K  N PMK 68,45238.1129,256
2 Ponneri Pon. Raja AIADMK 93,62457.5Manimekalai. A. DMK 62,35438.2931,270
3 Tiruttani M. Arun Subramanian DMDK 95,91850.16Raman. E. S. S. INC 71,98837.6423,930
4 Thiruvallur B. V. Ramanaa AIADMK 91,33753.69Shiaji E. A. P DMK 67,68939.7923,648
5 Poonamallee R. Manimaran AIADMK 99,09754.59Kanchi Gv Mathiazhagan INC 57,67831.7741,419
6 Avadi S. Abdul Rahim AIADMK 110,10255.18Dhamotharan. R INC 66,86433.5143,238
7 Maduravoyal G. Beem Rao CPI(M) 96,84452.09Selvam K PMK 72,83339.1724,011
8 Ambattur S. Vedachalam AIADMK 99,33053.3Ranaganathan. B DMK 76,61341.1122,717
9 Madavaram V. Moorthy AIADMK 115,46855.69Kanimozhi N S DMK 80,70338.9334,765
10 Thiruvottiyur K. Kuppan AIADMK 93,94457.03 Samy. K. P. P. DMK 66,65340.4727,291
11 Dr. Radhakrishnan Nagar P. Vetrivel AIADMK 83,77759.04 P. K. Sekar Babu DMK 52,52237.0131,255
12 Perambur A. Soundararajan CPI(M) 84,66852.26N. R. Dhanapalan DMK 67,24541.517,423
13 Kolathur M. K. Stalin DMK 68,67748.35 Sadai. Sa. Duraisamy AIADMK 65,94346.432,734
14 Villivakkam J. C. D. Prabhakar AIADMK 68,61252.44 K. Anbazhagan DMK 57,83044.210,782
15 Thiru. Vi. Ka. Nagar V. Neelakandan AIADMK 72,88758.87Dr. C. Natesan INC 43,54635.1729,341
16 Egmore K. Nalla Thambi DMDK 51,77246.23 Parithi Ellamvzuthi DMK 51,57046.05202
17 Royapuram D. Jayakumar AIADMK 65,09957.89Manohar. R INC 43,72738.8821,372
18 Harbour Pala. Karuppiah AIADMK 53,92055.89Altaf Hussain DMK 33,60334.8320,317
19 Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni J. Anbazhagan DMK 64,19149.44Thameemun Ansari. M MNMK 54,98842.359,203
20 Thousand Lights B. Valarmathi AIADMK 67,52250.55Hasan Mohamed Jinnah DMK 59,93044.877,592
21 Anna Nagar S. Gokula Indira AIADMK 88,95458.67Arivazhagan V. K. INC 52,36434.5436,590
22 Virugambakkam B. Parthasarathy DMDK 71,52449.65Thanasekaran K DMK 57,43039.8614,094
23 Saidapet G. Senthamizhan AIADMK 79,85651.78Msh Kumaar. M DMK 67,78543.9512,071
24 Thiyagarayanagar V. P. Kalairajan AIADMK 75,88358.48Chellakumar A INC 43,42133.4632,462
25 Mylapore R. Rajalakshmi (politician) AIADMK 80,06356.03 Thangkabalu K V INC 50,85935.629,204
26 Velachery M. K. Ashok AIADMK 82,14553.91Jayaraman M PMK 50,42533.131,720
27 Shozhinganallur K. P. Kandan AIADMK 145,38560.43S. S. Balaji VCK 78,41332.5966,972
28 Alandur Panruti S. Ramachandran DMDK 76,53745.52Dr. K. Ghayathri Devi INC 70,78342.15,754
29 Sriperumbudur R. Perumal AIADMK 101,75159.07 D. Yasodha INC 60,81935.3140,392
30 Pallavaram P. Dhansingh AIADMK 105,63152.7 T. M. Anbarasan DMK 88,25744.0317,374
31 Tambaram T. K. M. Chinnayya AIADMK 91,70251.45 S. R. Raja DMK 77,71843.6113,984
32 Chengalpattu D. Murugesan DMDK 83,29744.58V. G. Rangasamy PMK 83,00644.42291
33 Thiruporur K. Manoharan AIADMK 84,16953.06K. Arumugam PMK 65,88141.5318,288
34 Cheyyur V. S. Raji AIADMK 78,30755.59D. Parventhan VCK 51,72336.7226,584
35 Maduranthakam S. Kanitha Sampath AIADMK 79,25653.64Dr. K. Jayakumar INC 60,76241.1318,494
36 Uthiramerur P. Ganesan AIADMK 86,91251.75Ponkumar DMK 73,14643.5513,766
37 Kancheepuram V. Somasundaram AIADMK 102,71053.43P. S. Ulagarakshagan PMK 76,99340.0525,717
38 Arakkonam S. Ravi (politician) AIADMK 79,40955.94S. Sellapandian VCK 53,17237.4626,237
39 Sholingur P. R. Manogar DMDK 69,96338.98 A. M. Munirathinam Independent 60,92533.949,038
40 Katpadi Durai Murugan DMK 75,06449.55Appu S. R. K. (A) Radhakrishnan. S. AIADMK 72,09147.592,973
41 Ranipet A. Mohammed John AIADMK 83,83453.14 R. Gandhi DMK 69,63344.1414,201
42 Arcot R. Srinivasan AIADMK 93,25853.11K. L. Elavazagan PMK 74,00542.1419,253
43 Vellore V. S. Vijay AIADMK 71,52250.82Gnanasekaran. C. INC 56,34640.0415,176
44 Anaikattu M. Kalai Arasu PMK 80,23354.51Velu. V. B. DMDK 52,33035.5527,903
45 Kilvaithinankuppam C. K. Thamizharasan AIADMK 72,00251.12Seetharaman. K DMK 62,24244.199,760
46 Gudiyattam K. Lingamuthu CPI 79,41649.07K. Rajamarthandan. DMK 73,57445.465,842
47 Vaniyambadi Govi. Sampath Kumar AIADMK 80,56354.65Abdul Basith . H DMK 62,33842.2918,225
48 Ambur A. Aslam Basha MNMK 60,36144.01Vijay Elanchezian. J INC 55,27040.35,091
49 Jolarpet K.C. Veeramani AIADMK 86,27355.13Ponnusamy. G. PMK 63,33740.4722,936
50 Tirupattur K. G. Ramesh AIADMK 82,89555.31S. Rajendran DMK 61,10340.7721,792
51 Uthangarai Manoranjitham Nagaraj AIADMK 90,38158.92Muniyammal VCK 51,22333.3939,158
52 Bargur K. E. Krishnamoorthi AIADMK 88,71156.02T. K. Raja PMK 59,27137.4329,440
53 Krishnagiri K. P. Munusamy AIADMK 89,77655.98Syed Ghiyas Ul Haq INC 60,67937.8329,097
54 Veppanahalli T. Senguttuvan DMK 71,47145.09Kandan @ Murugesan. S. M DMDK 63,86740.297,604
55 Hosur K. Gopinath INC 65,03437.79S. John Timothy DMDK 50,88229.5614,152
56 Thalli T. Ramachandran CPI 74,35347.9Prakaash. Y. DMK 67,91843.756,435
57 Palacode K. P. Anbalagan AIADMK 94,87760.72Selvam V PMK 51,66433.0643,213
58 Pennagaram Nanjappan N CPI 80,02849.31Inbasekaran P N P DMK 68,48542.211,543
59 Dharmapuri Baskar A DMDK 76,94345.73Santhamoorthy P PMK 72,90043.334,043
60 Pappireddippatti Palaniappan P AIADMK 76,58245.39Mullaiventhan V DMK 66,09339.1710,489
61 Harur Dillibabu P CPI(M) 77,70351.71Nandhan B M VCK 51,20034.0726,503
62 Chengam Sureshkumar T DMDK 83,72246.95Selvaperunthagai. K INC 72,22540.511,497
63 Tiruvannamalai E. V. Velu DMK 84,80249.4Ramachandran. S AIADMK 79,67646.415,126
64 Kilpennathur A. K. Aranganathan AIADMK 83,66348.2Pitchandi. K DMK 79,58245.854,081
65 Kalasapakkam S. S. Krishnamoorthy AIADMK 91,83358.95Vijayakumar. P. S INC 53,59934.438,234
66 Polur L. Jaya Sudha AIADMK 92,39155.42Edirolimanian. G PMK 63,84638.328,545
67 Arani R. M. Babu Murugavel DMDK 88,96750.06Sivanandham. R DMK 81,00145.587,966
68 Cheyyar Mukkur N. Subramanian AIADMK 96,18053.67Vishnu Prasad. M. K. INC 70,71739.4625,463
69 Vandavasi V. Gunaseelan AIADMK 84,52952.05Kamalakkannan. J DMK 72,23344.4812,296
70 Gingee Ganesh Kumar.A PMK 77,02644.15Sivalingam. R DMDK 75,21543.121,811
71 Mailam P. Nagarajan AIADMK 81,65653.92Prakash. R PMK 61,57540.6620,081
72 Tindivanam D. Haridoss AIADMK 80,55352.59Sankar M. P PMK 65,01642.4515,537
73 Vanur I. Janagiraman AIADMK 88,83455.99Pushparaj. S DMK 63,69640.1425,138
74 Villupuram C. V. Shanmugam AIADMK 90,30452.18 K. Ponmudy DMK 78,20745.1912,097
75 Vikravandi R. Ramamurthy CPI(M) 78,65651.72Rathamani. K DMK 63,75941.9314,897
76 Tirukkoyilur Venkatesan.L DMDK 78,22949.18Thangam. M DMK 69,43843.658,791
77 Ulundurpettai Kumaraguru.R AIADMK 114,79460.09Mohamedyousuf. M VCK 61,28632.0853,508
78 Rishivandiyam Vijaykanth DMDK 91,16453.19Sivaraj. S INC 60,36935.2230,795
79 Sankarapuram Mohan.P AIADMK 87,52251.24 T. Udhayasuriyan DMK 75,32444.0912,198
80 Kallakurichi K. Alaguvelu AIADMK 111,24962.18A. C. Pavarasu VCK 51,25128.6559,998
81 Gangavalli Subha.R DMDK 72,92248.6Chinnadurai. K DMK 59,45739.6313,465
82 Attur Madheswaran.S AIADMK 88,03655.53Arthanari. S. K. INC 58,18036.729,856
83 Yercaud Perumal.C AIADMK 104,22158.06Tamilselvan. C. DMK 66,63937.1337,582
84 Omalur Krishnan.C AIADMK 112,10259.7Tamizharasu. A PMK 65,55834.9146,544
85 Mettur Parthiban.S.R. DMDK 75,67244.62Mani. G. K. PMK 73,07843.092,594
86 Edappadi Edappadi K. Palaniswami AIADMK 104,58656.38Karthe. M PMK 69,84837.6634,738
87 Sankari P. Vijayalakshmi AIADMK 105,50257.07 Veerapandy S. Arumugam DMK 70,42338.135,079
88 Salem (West) Venkatachalam.G AIADMK 95,93556.5Rajendran. R DMK 68,27440.2127,661
89 Salem (North) Alagapuram R Mohanraj DMDK 88,95654.46Jayaprakash G INC 59,59136.4829,365
90 Salem (South) Selvaraju.M.K. AIADMK 112,69164.97Sivalingam. S. R. DMK 52,47630.2560,215
91 Veerapandi Selvam.S.K AIADMK 100,15555.73Rajendran. A. DMK 73,65740.9826,498
92 Rasipuram Dhanapal.P AIADMK 90,18655.6Duraisamy. V. P DMK 65,46940.3624,717
93 Senthamangalam Santhi.R DMDK 76,63747.51Ponnusamy. K DMK 68,13242.248,505
94 Namakkal Baskar.K.P.P AIADMK 95,57956.34Devarasan. R. KNMK 59,72435.235,855
95 Paramathi Velur Thaniyarasu.U AIADMK 82,68254.5Selvam V PMK 51,66434.0631,018
96 Tiruchengodu Sampathkumar. P DMDK 78,10352.12Sundaram. M. R. INC 54,15836.1423,945
97 Kumarapalayam Thangamani.P AIADMK 91,07756.59Selvaraju. G DMK 64,19039.8826,887
98 Erode (East) Chandhirakumar V.C DMDK 69,16650.83 S. Muthusamy DMK 58,52243.0110,644
99 Erode (West) Ramalingam K.V AIADMK 90,78959.29Yuvaraja M INC 52,92134.5637,868
100 Modakkurichi Kittusamy R.N AIADMK 87,70557.29Palanisami R. M INC 47,54331.0640,162
101 Dharapuram Ponnusamy.K AIADMK 83,85651.68Jayanthi. R DMK 68,83142.4215,025
102 Kangayam Nataraj.Nsn AIADMK 96,00560.63Videyal Sekar. S. INC 54,24034.2641,765
103 Perundurai Venkatachalam.N.D AIADMK 89,96060.15Kkc Balu KNMK 47,79331.9642,167
104 Bhavani Narayanan.P.G AIADMK 87,12154.28Mahendran. K. S PMK 59,08036.8128,041
105 Anthiyur Ramanitharan.S.S AIADMK 78,49654.92Raaja. N. K. K. P DMK 53,24237.2525,254
106 Gobichettipalayam Sengottaiyan K.A AIADMK 94,87254.47Sivaraj. N. S KNMK 52,96030.441,912
107 Bhavanisagar Sundaram P.L CPI 82,89050.69Logeswari R DMK 63,48738.8319,403
108 Udhagamandalam Budhichandhiran AIADMK 61,60550.22Ganesh. R INC 54,06044.077,545
109 Gudalur Thiravidamani.M DMK 66,87158.67Selvaraj. S DMDK 39,49734.6527,374
110 Coonoor Ramachandran.K DMK 61,30250.66Bellie. A CPI 52,01042.989,292
111 Mettupalayam Chinnaraj O K AIADMK 93,70054.53 B. Arunkumar DMK 67,92539.5325,775
112 Avanashi Karuppasamy.M. A. AIADMK 103,00266.6Natarajan. A. R. INC 41,59126.8961,411
113 Tiruppur (North) M. S. M. Anandan AIADMK 113,64070.62Govindasamy. C DMK 40,36925.0973,271
114 Tiruppur (South) Thangavel.K CPI(M) 75,42461.63Senthilkumar K INC 37,12130.3338,303
115 Palladam Paramasivam.K.P AIADMK 118,14066.78Balasubramanian. K KNMK 48,36427.3469,776
116 Sulur Thinakaran K DMDK 88,68052.29 E. R. Eswaran KNMK 59,14834.8829,532
117 Kavundampalayam Arukutty V C AIADMK 137,05863.22Subramanian T P DMK 67,79831.2769,260
118 Coimbatore North Malaravan T. AIADMK 93,27660.07Veeragopal M. DMK 53,17834.2540,098
119 Thondamuthur S. P. Velumani AIADMK 99,88662.4Kandaswamy M N INC 46,68329.1653,203
120 Coimbatore (South) Doraiswamy R AIADMK 80,63756.27Challenger Dorai Pongalur Palanisamy N DMK 52,84136.8827,796
121 Singanallur Chinnasamy R AIADMK 89,48756.32Mayura S Jayakumar INC 55,16134.7134,326
122 Kinathukadavu Damodaran S AIADMK 94,12356.17M. Kannappan DMK 63,85738.1130,266
123 Pollachi Muthukaruppannasamy M. K. AIADMK 81,44657.46K Nithyanandhan. K KNMK 51,13836.0830,308
124 Valparai Arumugham M CPI 61,17149.16 N. Kovaithangam INC 57,75046.413,421
125 Udumalaipettai Pollachi Jayaraman. V AIADMK 95,47760.87Ilamparrithi. T KNMK 50,91732.4644,560
126 Madathukulam C.Shanmugavelu AIADMK 78,62254.71M. P. Saminathan DMK 58,95341.0219,669
127 Palani Venugopalu. K.S.N AIADMK 82,05148.3 I. P. Senthil Kumar DMK 80,29747.271,754
128 Oddanchatram Sakkarapani.R DMK 87,74351.99Baalasubramani. P AIADMK 72,81043.1414,933
129 Athoor I. Periyasamy DMK 112,75159.58Balasubramani. S DMDK 58,81931.0853,932
130 Nilakottai Ramasamy.A PT 75,12452.45Rajangam. K. INC 50,41035.1924,714
131 Natham Viswanathan.R. AIADMK 94,94753.87Vijayan. K DMK 41,85823.7553,089
132 Dindigul Balabharathi.K. CPI(M) 86,93258.82Paul Baskar . J PMK 47,81732.3539,115
133 Vedasandur Palanichamy. S AIADMK 104,51161.92 M. Dhandapani INC 53,79931.8850,712
134 Aravakurichi Pallanishamy.K.C DMK 72,83149.71Senthilnathan. V AIADMK 68,29046.614,541
135 Karur Senthil Balaji, V AIADMK 99,73861.18Jothi Mani. S. INC 55,59334.144,145
136 Krishnarayapuram Kamaraj.S AIADMK 83,14554.81Kamaraj. P DMK 60,63639.9722,509
137 Kulithalai Pappasundaram.A AIADMK 87,45954.78R. Manickam DMK 64,98640.722,473
138 Manapaarai Chandra Sekar R AIADMK 81,02046.77Ponnusamy K Independent 52,72130.4328,299
139 Srirangam J. Jayalalithaa AIADMK 105,32858.99N Anand DMK 63,48035.5541,848
140 Tiruchirappalli (West) N. Mariam Pitchai AIADMK 77,49250.21 K. N. Nehru DMK 70,31345.567,179
141 Tiruchirappalli (East) R. Manoharan AIADMK 83,04654.84Anbil Periyasamy DMK 62,42041.2220,626
142 Thiruverumbur S. Senthilkumar DMDK 71,35647.4K. N. Seharan DMK 67,15144.614,205
143 Lalgudi Soundarapandian .A DMK 65,36344.71Sendhureswaran. A. D DMDK 58,20839.817,155
144 Manachanallur Poonachi. T. P. AIADMK 83,10553.12Selvaraj. N DMK 63,91540.8619,190
145 Musiri N. R. Sivapathy AIADMK 82,63154.79M. Rajasekharan INC 38,84025.7543,791
146 Thuraiyur Indraganthi T AIADMK 75,22850.67Parimala Devi S DMK 64,29343.3110,935
147 Perambalur Tamizhselvan.R AIADMK 98,49752.19 M. Prabhakaran DMK 79,41842.0819,079
148 Kunnam S. S. Sivasankar DMK 81,72346.89Durai. Kamaraj DMDK 58,76633.7222,957
149 Ariyalur Manivel, Durai. AIADMK 88,72647.77 D. Amaramoorthy INC 70,90638.1717,820
150 Jayankondam Guru @ Gurunathan J PMK 92,73951.53Elavazhagan P AIADMK 77,60143.1215,138
151 Tittakudi K.Tamil Azhagan DMDK 61,89744.45M. Sinthanaiselvan VCK 49,25535.3712,642
152 Virudhachalam V. Muthukumar DMDK 72,90246.06T. Neethirajan INC 59,26137.4413,641
153 Neyveli M. P. S. Sivasubramaniyan AIADMK 69,54950.63 T. Velmurugan PMK 61,43144.728,118
154 Panruti P. Sivakolunthu DMDK 82,18750.91T. Senguttuvan DMK 71,47144.2710,716
155 Cuddalore M.C. Sampath AIADMK 85,95360.56 E. Pugazhendi DMK 52,27536.8333,678
156 Kurinjipadi R.Rajendran AIADMK 88,34556.38 M. R. K. Panneerselvam DMK 64,49741.1623,848
157 Bhuvanagiri Selvi.R AIADMK 87,41351.34T. Arivuselvan PMK 74,29643.6413,117
158 Chidambaram K.Balakrishnan CPI(M) 72,05448.3Sridhar Vandaiyar DMK 69,17546.372,879
159 Kattumannarkoil N. Murugumaran AIADMK 83,66557.79 Ravikumar. D VCK 51,94035.8831,725
160 Sirkazhi Sakthi . M AIADMK 83,88154.62Durairajan . P VCK 56,50236.7927,379
161 Mayiladuthurai R.Arulselvan DMDK 63,32644.64S. Rajakumar INC 60,30942.523,017
162 Poompuhar Pavunraj.S AIADMK 85,83950.66Agoram. K PMK 74,46643.9411,373
163 Nagapattinam K. A. Jayapal AIADMK 61,87051.26Mohamed Sheik Dawood DMK 56,12746.515,743
164 Kilvelur Mahalingam P CPI(M) 59,40248.99Mathivanan U DMK 58,67848.39724
165 Vedaranyam N.V.Kamaraj AIADMK 53,79941.16 S. K. Vedarathinam Independent 42,87132.810,928
166 Thiruthuraipoondi K. Ulaganathan CPI 83,39953.36P. Selvadurai INC 61,11239.122,287
167 Mannargudi T. R. B. Rajaa DMK 81,32048.93Rajamanickam. Siva. AIADMK 77,33846.543,928
168 Thiruvarur M. Karunanidhi DMK 109,01462.96Rajendran. M AIADMK 58,76533.9450,249
169 Nannilam R. Kamaraj AIADMK 92,07150.96Elangovan. R DMK 81,66745.210,404
170 Thiruvidaimarudur Chezhiaan.Govi DMK 77,17548.12Pandiyarajan. T AIADMK 76,78147.87394
171 Kumbakonam G. Anbalagan DMK 78,64248.72 Rama Ramanathan AIADMK 77,37047.931,272
172 Papanasam R. Doraikkannu AIADMK 85,63553.47 M. Ramkumar INC 67,62842.2218,007
173 Thiruvaiyaru M. Rethinasami AIADMK 88,78451.11S. Aranganathan DMK 75,82243.6512,962
174 Thanjavur M.Rengasamy AIADMK 75,41550.57 S. N. M. Ubayadullah DMK 68,08645.667,329
175 Orathanadu R.Vaithilingam AIADMK 91,72457.8Mahendran. K. S PMK 59,08037.2332,644
176 Pattukkottai N.R.Rengarajan INC 55,48237.91N. Senthilkumar. DMDK 46,70331.918,779
177 Peravurani C. Arunpandian DMDK 51,01036.42K. Mahendran INC 43,81631.297,194
178 Gandharvakottai Subramanian. N AIADMK 67,12854.85Kavithaipithan. S DMK 47,42938.7619,699
179 Viralimalai Vijaya Basker. C AIADMK 77,28555.99 S. Regupathy DMK 37,97627.5139,309
180 Pudukkottai Muthukumaran.P CPI 65,46646.78Periyannan Arassu DMK 62,36544.563,101
181 Thirumayam Vairamuthu. P.K AIADMK 78,91358.27Subburam. Rm. INC 47,77835.2831,135
182 Alangudi Krishnan.Kupa AIADMK 57,25041.42Arulmani. S PMK 52,12337.715,127
183 Aranthangi Raja Nayagam M AIADMK 67,55952.77Thirunavukkarasar Su INC 50,90339.7616,656
184 Karaikudi Palanichamy.Cholan.Ct AIADMK 86,10451.01Ramasamy. Kr INC 67,20439.8118,900
185 Tiruppattur Periyakaruppan.Kr DMK 83,48548.25 Raja Kannappan AIADMK 81,90147.341,584
186 Sivaganga Gunasekaran.S CPI 75,17647.82Rajasekaran. V INC 70,79445.034,382
187 Manamadurai Gunasekaran.M AIADMK 83,53551.68 A. Tamilarasi DMK 69,51543.0114,020
188 Melur Samy R AIADMK 85,86955.74Rani R DMK 61,40739.8624,462
189 Madurai East Tamilarasan K AIADMK 99,44755.29 P. Moorthy DMK 70,69239.328,755
190 Sholavandan Karuppiah M V AIADMK 86,37659.84Ilanseliyan M PMK 49,76834.4836,608
191 Madurai North Bose.A.K AIADMK 90,70663.62Rajendran. K. S. K INC 44,30631.0846,400
192 Madurai South Annadurai R CPI(M) 83,44161.59Varadharajan S P INC 37,99028.0445,451
193 Madurai Central Sundarrajan R DMDK 76,06352.77 Syed Ghouse Basha DMK 56,50339.219,560
194 Madurai West Raju K AIADMK 94,79859.64 G. Thalapathi DMK 56,03735.2538,761
195 Thiruparankundram Raja A.K.T DMDK 95,46958.7Sundararajan C R INC 46,96728.8848,502
196 Tirumangalam Muthuramalingam M AIADMK 101,49455.55Manimaran M DMK 75,12741.1226,367
197 Usilampatti Kathiravan P V AIFB 88,25351.22Ramasamy S O DMK 72,93342.3315,320
198 Andipatti Thangatamilselvan AIADMK 91,72153.75 L. Mookiah DMK 70,69041.4221,031
199 Periyakulam Laser.A CPI(M) 76,68747.86Anbazhagan. V DMK 71,04644.345,641
200 Bodinayakanur Panneerselvam O AIADMK 95,23556.69 S. Lakshmanan DMK 65,32938.8929,906
201 Cumbum Eramakrishnan.N DMK 80,30748.58Murugesan. P DMDK 68,13941.2212,168
202 Rajapalayam K.Gopalsamy AIADMK 80,12553.8 S. Thangappandian DMK 58,69339.4121,432
203 Srivilliputhur V. Ponnupandi CPI 73,48547.79R. V. K. Durai DMK 67,25743.746,228
204 Sattur R.B.Uthayakumar AIADMK 88,91858.32A. Kadarkarairaj DMK 59,57339.0729,345
205 Sivakasi Rajenthra Bhalaji.K.T AIADMK 87,33359.17Vanaraja . T DMK 51,67935.0135,654
206 Virudhunagar Pandiarajan.K DMDK 70,44152.36Armstrongnaveen. T. INC 49,00336.4221,438
207 Aruppukkottai Vaigaichelvan AIADMK 76,54651.15 K. K. S. S. R. Ramachandran DMK 65,90844.0510,638
208 Tiruchuli Thangam Thenarasu DMK 81,61354.36Esakki Muthu AIADMK 61,66141.0719,952
209 Paramakudi Sundararaj.S AIADMK 86,15057.88 R. Ramprabhu INC 51,54434.6334,606
210 Tiruvadanai Sundararaj.S DMK 64,16541.11Mujupur Rahman S DMDK 63,23840.52927
211 Ramanathapuram Jawahirulla MNMK 65,83140.96 K. Hussan Ali INC 50,07431.1615,757
212 Mudhukulathur Murugan M AIADMK 83,22546.87Sathiamoorthy V DMK 63,13635.5620,089
213 Vilathikulam Markandayan. V AIADMK 72,75354.58Perumalsamy. K INC 50,15637.6322,597
214 Thoothukudi Chellapandian S.T AIADMK 89,01056.78 P. Geetha Jeevan DMK 62,81740.0726,193
215 Tiruchendur Anitha R. Radhakrishnan DMK 68,74147.04Manoharan. Pr AIADMK 68,10146.6640
216 Tiruvaikuntam Shunmuganathan.S.P AIADMK 69,70852.86Sudalaiyandi. M. B INC 48,58636.8421122
217 Ottapidaram Dr.K.Krishnasamy PT 71,33056.41S. Raja DMK 46,20436.5425126
218 Kovilpatti Kadambur Raju C AIADMK 73,00755.85Ramachandran G PMK 46,52735.5926480
219 Sankarankovil Karuppasamy.C AIADMK 72,29749.99Umamaheswari. M DMK 61,90242.810395
220 Vasudevanallur Dr.Duraiappa.S., M.B.B.S AIADMK 80,63356.77Ganesan. S INC 52,5433728090
221 Kadayanallur Chendur Pandian .P AIADMK 80,79449.83 S. Peter Alphonse INC 64,70839.9116086
222 Tenkasi Sarath Kumar.R AIADMK 92,25354.3 V. Karuppasamy Pandian DMK 69,28640.7822967
223 Alangulam P. G. Rajendran AIADMK 78,09847.29 Dr. Poongothai Aladi Aruna DMK 77,79947.11299
224 Tirunelveli Nainar Nagendran AIADMK 86,22054.81 A. L. S. Lakshmanan DMK 47,72930.3438491
225 Ambasamudram E Subaya AIADMK 80,15655.11R Avudaiappan DMK 55,54738.1924609
226 Palayamkottai T.P.M.Mohideen Khan DMK 58,04942.76V. Palani CPI(M) 57,44442.31605
227 Nanguneri A.Narayanan AIADMK 65,51045.91 H. Vasanthakumar INC 53,23037.3112280
228 Radhapuram S.Michael Rayappan DMDK 67,07248.36P. Veldurai. INC 45,59732.8821475
229 Kanniyakumari Patchaimal.K.T AIADMK 86,90348.22 N. Suresh Rajan DMK 69,09938.3417,804
230 Nagercoil Nanjil Murugesan.A AIADMK 58,81940.01Mahesh. R DMK 52,09235.436,727
231 Colachal J. G. Prince INC 58,42840.16Larence. P AIADMK 46,60732.0311,821
232 Padmanabhapuram Dr.Pushpa Leela Alban DMK 59,88241.48 S. Austin DMDK 40,56128.119,321
233 Vilavancode S. Vijayadharani INC 62,89843.69Leemarose. R CPI(M) 39,10927.1723,789
234 Killiyoor John Jacob.S INC 56,93241.69Chandra Kumar. T BJP 32,44623.7624,486

Reactions

M. Karunanidhi submitted his resignation to Governor Surjit Singh Barnala, thus paving way for Jayalalithaa to swear-in on 16 May. After the election, Jayalalithaa thanked her supporters and said "this is not a victory for me, but a victory for the state and the country". She further stated that she wants to "rebuild the state, from the havoc created by the previous government" and insisted that she does not plan to share power with her allies. [103] DMDK leader, Vijaykanth, after being the second largest party in the new assembly and an important ally of AIADMK, stated that this is a "victory for the people and an end to family rule". [104] TDP leader and former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Chandrababu Naidu, called and congratulated Jayalalithaa on her "victory over corruption". [105] After the loss, Congress leader Jayanthi Natarajan, conceded defeat and wished the best for incoming CM, Jayalalithaa. While she admitted that 2G spectrum case played a huge role in their defeat, she further re-iterated that they have done everything they can to be transparent and that action has been taken against individuals responsible for the corruption. Union Minister, P. Chidambaram admitted that this was a huge loss for Congress in Tamil Nadu but does not believe this will affect the UPA government at the center, because this was a loss of an alliance led by DMK and not INC. M. Karunanidhi after the loss stated, "People have given me proper rest" and went on to congratulate the people of the state (on the election outcome). [106]

Analysis

Election map based on Vote % margin difference between AIADMK+ candidates and DMK+ candidates by district. The % margin for each color are as follows:

30%-25%
25%-20%
20%-15%
15%-10%
10%-5%
5%-0% 2011 tamil nadu legislative margin wise election map by districts.png
Election map based on Vote % margin difference between AIADMK+ candidates and DMK+ candidates by district. The % margin for each color are as follows:
30%-25%
25%-20%
20%-15%
15%-10%
10%-5%
5%-0%

Pre-polls and post-polls released before the counting showed a mixed picture and a close race and failed to predict the landslide victory for the AIADMK alliance. Including this election, no incumbent party has ever won a re-election in Tamil Nadu since M.G.R's victory in 1984 election. The results were consistent with the anti-incumbency factor that is common in Tamil Nadu politics. Closer look at the results show that AIADMK swept through the state winning by big margins. AIADMK and its allies won all the seats in 12 out of the 32 districts, with margins greater than 10% over its rival DMK and its allies. Out of those 12 districts, AIADMK+ won by margins greater than 15% in seven of them. In Chennai District, which once used to be a DMK bastion, AIADMK+ won 14 out of 16 constituencies with a margin of 13.1% over DMK+. In northern Tamil Nadu which is considered to be DMK's traditional bastion, DMK and its allies just won 4 out of 62 constituencies. [107] DMK members blamed that the alliance with caste based Pattali Makkal Katchi and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi didn't go well with other castes and caused their downfall. [108] Analysts felt that the strife between Vanniyars and Dalits could have played a role in DMK+ debacle in northern region. [109] AIADMK's best district was the newly created Tiruppur, where they beat the DMK and its allies by a margin of 29.4%. This is consistent with the continued support for AIADMK in this region, since the former Coimbatore district was AIADMK's best performance in 2006 election. AIADMK+, did extremely well in its traditional stronghold in western Tamil Nadu. DMK, weak in this region, relied on its ally, Kongunadu Munnetra Kazhagam, who had a disappointing performance in this region losing by margins greater than 20% to AIADMK+. The western region was already affected with major issues like power cuts, agricultural crisis and industrial pollution and the DMK members after the election admitted that family rule could be one of the reasons for their downfall. DMK leaders after the election blamed the alienation of Dalits and other castes by KNMK due to the fact it is viewed as a party of Gounders. [110] DMK+, on the hand, only did better than its opponent in four districts: Nilgiris, Kanniyakumari, Thiruvarur and Perambalur, all traditional DMK strongholds. The only region, DMK+ was able to be competitive is in the Cauvery delta region, which has long been a DMK stronghold. DMK's best district was Nilgiris, which includes A. Raja's former MP constituency. DMK+ did poorly in the Madurai district, where they found a lot of success in recent years (2006 by-election & 2009 LS election), due to Azhagiri's vigorous campaigning. They were not able to win a single seat in this district, and lost by a margin of 20.9% to AIADMK-CPI(M)-DMDK combine.

Post-poll data released by CNN-IBN, showed that DMK+ did the worst amongst the poor, especially in rural areas. Major issue cited by them as a reason for voting against the DMK is supply of electricity. [111] Before the election, DMK was hoping that freebies and welfare schemes implemented by their administration would help them gain support from rural voters, who were an important electorate for the DMK to grab power in the previous election. This failed to take place, since many rural voters were unhappy with the distribution of these freebies in a disproportionate manner and lack of policies targeting towards income generation schemes in rural areas. This coupled with the recent food price rises resulted in a decline in rural support for the DMK. [112] While spiraling prices, power cut, and DMK's family politics were important factors, many analysts agree that it was the corruption charges (2G spectrum scandal), that eventually led them to their ultimate defeat. This election saw one of the worst performance of Congress in Tamil Nadu, winning only 5 seats out of 63 seats it contested. During the campaign, they were marred with in-fighting between state Congress leader K.V. Thangkabalu and other Congress members, which added to their declining support in the state. [113] [114] In both Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry, Congress did poorly reflecting widespread anger and disapproval.

Government formation

J. Jayalalithaa was sworn in as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu for the fourth time on 16 May 2011. She submitted her unanimous election as the general secretary of the AIADMK legislature party to the governor of Tamil Nadu Surjit Singh Barnala on 15 May 2011. [115] She was sworn in along with 33 other ministers at the Madras University centenary auditorium on 16 May 2011 by the governor, at the same venue where she took the oath in 1991 when she first became chief minister. She and all the other ministers took oaths in Tamil. The ceremony was attended by chief minister of Gujarat Narendra Modi, former chief minister of Andhra Pradesh Nara Chandrababu Naidu, and general secretary of the Communist Party of India A. B. Bardhan, among others. [116]

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