CHENNAI, April 19 -- Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Puducherry are set to witness one of the toughest electoral battles of recent times as both the State and the UT go to the polls to elect 40 representatives (39 from TN and a lone member from the UT) on Friday.

What Tamil Nadu witnessed once the Election Commission of India announced the poll schedule was a gruelling campaign despite the scorching heat of the summer. There are three fronts vying with one another for the top honours. The main contender (at least on paper ) is the DMK and its allies that include the Indian National Congress, CPI(M), CPI, and caste and community outfits like DMDK, VCK, Muslim League and some fringe elements. The DMK has fielded 22 candidates while t...