India, April 6 -- There is no strong electoral wind blowing across Tamil Nadu to indicate the emerging trends and directions of the potential outcome of the assembly elections to be held on April 23, 2026. There is nothing to suggest that there is something brewing beneath the political surface. The alliances have been formalised, seat sharing arrangements have been completed, candidates list have been prepared and circulated out of the party headquarters and finally the filing of nomination process has begun. All set and ready to roll but the usual electoral buzz and excitement are largely missing, reflecting the mood of the state.

A calm demeanour of the average voter is surprising. There is an overwhelming sense of sobriety without an...