3,352 Candidates Forfeit Deposits in Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections
In the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections held on April 23, 2026, a significant majority of candidates failed to secure enough votes to retain their security deposits. Out of 4,032 contestants, 3,352 forfeited their deposits by failing to obtain at least one-sixth of the total votes polled in their respective constituencies. The Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) saw all its candidates lose deposits across all 234 constituencies, while major parties like the AIADMK and BJP lost deposits in 19 and five constituencies, respectively. Conversely, the DMK, Congress, CPI, CPI(M), DMDK, VCK, and TVK retained deposits in all contested seats. Independent candidates were heavily affected, with 2,208 out of 2,209 losing their deposits. The Election Commission reported a high state polling percentage of 86.03%, excluding postal ballots. Vote counts revealed strong performances for TVK, DMK, and AIADMK. Additionally, gender analysis of the winners showed limited female representation, with only 13 women winning from the TVK party, and few or none from other major parties like the DMK and BJP. This outcome highlights the competitive nature of the polls and the marginalization of smaller parties and independents.
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3,352 Candidates Forfeit Deposits in Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections
In the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections held on April 23, 2026, a significant majority of candidates failed to secure enough votes to retain their security deposits. Out of 4,032 contestants, 3,352 forfeited their deposits by failing to obtain at least one-sixth of the total votes polled in their respective constituencies. The Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) saw all its candidates lose deposits across all 234 constituencies, while major parties like the AIADMK and BJP lost deposits in 19 and five constituencies, respectively. Conversely, the DMK, Congress, CPI, CPI(M), DMDK, VCK, and TVK retained deposits in all contested seats. Independent candidates were heavily affected, with 2,208 out of 2,209 losing their deposits. The Election Commission reported a high state polling percentage of 86.03%, excluding postal ballots. Vote counts revealed strong performances for TVK, DMK, and AIADMK. Additionally, gender analysis of the winners showed limited female representation, with only 13 women winning from the TVK party, and few or none from other major parties like the DMK and BJP. This outcome highlights the competitive nature of the polls and the marginalization of smaller parties and independents.
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