Hitting out at the M. Karunanidhi-led Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam (DMK) government, AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa on Wednesday described the DMK as the most corrupt government the state has witnessed.
Speaking to reporters after casting her vote, Jayalalithaa said the people of Tamil Nadu want a government, which is clear off all the corruption the DMK has brought in.
"People are disgusted with corruption, price rise, nepotism and total misrule. They want a change. AIADMK wants to put an end to all this. There has been corruption everywhere, but the magnitude and scale of the DMK government is unprecedented. The 2G scam is not the only scam that has the DMK in trouble. There are several other scams where the whole Karunanidhi family are involved," she added.
Expressing confidence that her party will come into power, she said: "We will see a landslide victory and sweeping victory for us. We are confident that we will get a clear majority to rule this state."
Meanwhile, polling is underway in 234 assembly constituencies. A total of 2,748 candidates, including 141 women, are in the fray to elect the 14th Tamil Nadu assembly.
The electorate would be deciding whether incumbent Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi would be given the chance to become the state head for a record sixth time and also enter the precincts of the assembly as its member for a record 12th time.
The others whose fate would be decided today include Deputy Chief Minister M.K. Stalin (Kolathur constituency), actor-turned-politician and founder of DMDK A. Vijayakant (Rishivandiyam), PMK president G.K. Mani (Mettur), actor-turned-politician and founder of SMK R. Sarathkumar (Tenkasi), and Tamil Nadu Congress chief K.V. Thangkabalu (Mylapore).
Elaborate security arrangements have been made to ensure free and fair polls.
Beside state police, 240 companies of central paramilitary forces are being deployed across the state for the polls.
All sensitive polling booths have been placed under live camera surveillance since electronic voting machines are being placed on Tuesday.