Tirupati : As counting of votes for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections commenced on Monday, a large number of pilgrims from across Tamil Nadu arrived at Tirumala to seek blessings of Lord Venkateswara, with many linking their visit to the electoral process.
By 12.30 pm, over 26,000 devotees had darshan, while all compartments in the Vaikuntam Queue Complex were filled. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) began accommodating pilgrims in additional holding areas at Narayanagiri gardens as the inflow continued. Officials expect the turnout to increase further by night, especially after clearer trends or final results emerge.
Tirumala witnessed a steady stream of devotees from the early hours, with several pilgrims stating they were fulfilling vows taken during the campaign period. Supporters of different political parties, including Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) led by Vijay, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), were seen among those waiting in queues.
Several pilgrims said visiting Tirumala during significant moments is a long-standing practice among Tamil devotees. “We have strong faith in Lord Venkateswara. Elections are important for us, so I came to pray for the success of my party, TVK, and for a change in governance”, said R. Suresh, a voter from Coimbatore.
K. Manikandan, a DMK supporter from Tiruchirappalli, said he chose the day of counting for his visit. “I come here regularly, but today is special. I prayed that our party should form the government again and that the state should progress”, he said.
An AIADMK supporter, M. Selvaraj from Salem, said he travelled with his family after taking a vow during the campaign. “We wanted our party to return to power. I came to fulfil my promise and seek blessings”, he said.
First-time voters, including those backing TVK, were present in large numbers. “This election feels like a turning point. I came to seek blessings for a positive result for Vijay Anna’s party”, said V. Pratheep, a TVK supporter from Chennai.
The TTD clarified that while devotees were free to hold personal beliefs, political expression of any kind is not permitted within the temple premises. Vigilance and security staff were deployed in adequate numbers to manage the crowd, and the flow of pilgrims remained smooth despite the increased turnout.
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