75 pc polling in assembly bypoll in TN

Around 75 per cent polling was registered in the byelection to Tamil Nadu Assembly from Sankarankovil (SC) constituency on Sunday and the exercise was 'by and large peaceful', Election officials said.

Polling was brisk since morning and around 75 per cent of the voters exercised their franchise in the bypoll which witnessed multi-cornered contest with ruling All India Anna Dravida Munetra Kazhagam, arch-rival Dravida Munetra Kazhagam, actor Vijaykanth's Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam and Marumalarchi Dravida Munetra Kazhagam headed by Vaiko being the main contenders.

"The poll for the Sankarankovil (SC) Assembly constituency was by and large peaceful. The poll was monitored by the CEO's office as well as District Election Officer's office in

Tirunelveli", a statement from Special Chief Electoral Officer D Raajendiran, said.

The final polling figure would be arrived at after examining the documents received from all the booths, it said. The electronic voting machines used in the bypoll would be kept at the counting centre whose inner perimeter would be guarded by  Central Armed Police Force personnel, the statement added.

This is the second bypoll after AIADMK won a landslide in the assembly elections last year. The ruling party had earlier retained the Tiruchirappalli West Assembly seat.

The by-election in the Constituency was necessitated by the death of Minister C Karuppasamy.