TN DGP cancels all police leave ahead of May 4 vote count
Synopsis
With Tamil Nadu's Assembly election results due on May 4, the DGP has cancelled all police leave from May 2 — exempting only those with medical or family emergencies. Multi-layer EVM security, CCTV surveillance, and intensified crowd control at counting centres signal the scale of the state's security mobilisation ahead of what could be a politically charged results day.
Key Takeaways
Tamil Nadu DGP cancelled leave for all police personnel effective May 2 until further orders.
The directive covers all ranks from constables to senior officials ; exemptions apply for medical, maternity, childcare, and educational reasons.
Tamil Nadu Assembly elections were held in a single phase on 23 April ; vote counting is scheduled for May 4 .
EVMs are under round-the-clock security with CCTV surveillance , armed guards, and restricted access zones.
Police, election authorities, and district administrations are coordinating on route planning, crowd control, and emergency response ahead of results day.
The Tamil Nadu Director General of Police (DGP) has ordered the cancellation of leave for all police personnel from May 2 until further orders, ahead of the May 4 vote counting for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The directive, issued on 29 April, applies to officers across all ranks — from constables to senior officials — and is aimed at ensuring maximum deployment of forces to maintain law and order during the counting process.
Scope of the Directive
According to the order, no police personnel will be permitted to proceed on leave during this period, given the importance of the counting exercise and the need for strict vigilance. However, officials clarified that personnel already on leave for valid and unavoidable reasons — including medical emergencies, maternity leave, childcare responsibilities, or educational commitments — will be exempted from the directive.
Security Arrangements at Counting Centres
Senior police officials said elaborate security arrangements are being put in place at counting centres across Tamil Nadu. Additional personnel are to be deployed in sensitive and vulnerable locations, with police presence intensified not only inside counting venues but also in surrounding areas to manage crowds and prevent potential law and order issues following the declaration of results.
EVM Security and Multi-Layer Surveillance
The Tamil Nadu Assembly elections were held in a single phase on 23 April, with the state recording peaceful polling across constituencies. Following the completion of voting, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) have been securely transported to designated counting centres under strict supervision. Officials confirmed the EVMs are being kept under round-the-clock security, with multi-layered arrangements including CCTV surveillance, armed police personnel, and restricted access zones to ensure their safety and integrity until counting day.
Coordination and Final Preparations
Preparations for the May 4 counting are progressing at a brisk pace, with active coordination between the police, election authorities, and district administrations. Measures such as route planning, crowd control protocols, and emergency response systems are being finalised to ensure the counting process and subsequent declaration of results take place in a peaceful and orderly manner. This is consistent with standard pre-counting security protocols followed in previous Tamil Nadu elections, where large-scale police mobilisation has been a key feature of post-poll administration.
Point of View
Making pre-emptive security mobilisation essential. What stands out is the explicit carve-out for humanitarian exemptions, a procedural refinement that signals institutional maturity. The real test, however, will be whether the multi-layer EVM security and crowd management protocols translate into an incident-free declaration of results — or whether gaps in coordination between police, election officials, and district machinery emerge under pressure.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has the Tamil Nadu DGP cancelled police leave ahead of May 4?
The Tamil Nadu DGP cancelled all police leave from May 2 to ensure maximum deployment of forces during the May 4 vote counting for the Assembly elections. The move aims to maintain law and order at counting centres and surrounding areas across the state.
Who is exempted from the Tamil Nadu police leave cancellation order?
Personnel already on leave for medical emergencies, maternity leave, childcare responsibilities, or educational commitments are exempted from the directive, according to officials. All others across ranks — from constables to senior officials — are required to remain on duty.
When were the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections held?
The Tamil Nadu Assembly elections were held in a single phase on 23 April. Vote counting is scheduled for May 4, and results are expected to be declared on the same day.
How are EVMs being secured ahead of the May 4 counting?
EVMs have been transported to designated counting centres under strict supervision and are kept under round-the-clock security. Arrangements include CCTV surveillance, armed police personnel, and restricted access zones to ensure their integrity until counting day.
What other security measures are in place for the Tamil Nadu vote counting?
Elaborate security arrangements include additional personnel at sensitive locations, route planning, crowd control protocols, and emergency response systems. Police, election authorities, and district administrations are coordinating to ensure a peaceful and orderly counting process.
