A loud silence

As trends began to emerge, atmosphere quickly became subdued.

At 11 am, LED screens were reportedly switched off, and cadre began dispersing.

Supporters quietly left; murmurs of concern spread. 

Turning point came when early leads showed Stalin, trailing in Kolathur. 

Trends from other urban seats deepened the unease. 

Large gatherings had reduced to scattered clusters. 

The situation was no different at Lloyds Road and T. Nagar, where safe optimism gave way to silence.

Panaiyur had a different story.  

Quietness of the morning, was followed by a steady surge of supporters by 11 am.

Senior IPS officers arrived to oversee security arrangements. 

Administrative preparations reportedly began for a transition - marking a day when Chennai's political map visibly shifted within hours. 

D. Sekar, Arul & T. Sudheesh  /   Deccan Chronicle,     Chennai, May 04, 2026