Tamil Nadu's ruling party AIADMK is all set to retain power, with its winning track in 136 of the 232 constituencies despite most exit polls predicted a DMK win.
But among all the glories, AIDMK lost Chennai, which was battered by flash floods in December and whose voters appeared to have overwhelmingly turned against the ruling party.
In contrast to widespread expectations that it may seize power, the DMK-Congress alliance was leading only in 86 constituencies, far short of the half-way mark of 117.
The PMK led in five places and the DMDK alliance in two. Smaller parties were ahead in three seats. Polling was postponed in two constituencies by the Election Commission.
The imminent victory set off noisy celebrations outside AIADMK leader and Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's residence here as well as at party offices across the state.
Holding Jayalalithaa's portraits, supporters, specially women, danced to music and burst firecrackers. Many distributed sweets and raised slogans hailing the chief minister.
But among all the glories, AIDMK lost Chennai, which was battered by flash floods in December and whose voters appeared to have overwhelmingly turned against the ruling party.
In contrast to widespread expectations that it may seize power, the DMK-Congress alliance was leading only in 86 constituencies, far short of the half-way mark of 117.
The PMK led in five places and the DMDK alliance in two. Smaller parties were ahead in three seats. Polling was postponed in two constituencies by the Election Commission.
The imminent victory set off noisy celebrations outside AIADMK leader and Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's residence here as well as at party offices across the state.
Holding Jayalalithaa's portraits, supporters, specially women, danced to music and burst firecrackers. Many distributed sweets and raised slogans hailing the chief minister.