Erode (Tamil Nadu), Feb 5 (PTI) – Voting for the by-election to the Erode East Assembly constituency kicked off at 7 AM on Wednesday, under heavy police protection to ensure a smooth process. The by-poll, a crucial electoral event, is taking place across 237 polling booths spread across 53 locations.
Early turnout was relatively low, likely due to chilly weather conditions, though election officials anticipate a higher voter participation as the day progresses.
A total of 46 candidates, including 44 independents, are contesting in the by-election. However, the key contest is largely seen as a battle between the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) party led by actor-politician Seeman. The DMK has fielded former MLA V. C. Chandrakumar, while NTK has nominated M. K. Seethalakshmi as its candidate.
The main opposition parties, AIADMK and BJP, have opted to boycott the by-poll, which was necessitated following the death of Congress MLA E.V.K.S. Elangovan last year.
With a total of 2,27,546 eligible voters in the constituency, nine polling booths have been identified as "sensitive," with additional security measures implemented in these areas to ensure peaceful voting.
Among the early voters was District Collector Raja Gopal Sunkara, who cast his vote at one of the polling stations.
Stay tuned for further updates as the voting continues.
Early turnout was relatively low, likely due to chilly weather conditions, though election officials anticipate a higher voter participation as the day progresses.
A total of 46 candidates, including 44 independents, are contesting in the by-election. However, the key contest is largely seen as a battle between the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) party led by actor-politician Seeman. The DMK has fielded former MLA V. C. Chandrakumar, while NTK has nominated M. K. Seethalakshmi as its candidate.
The main opposition parties, AIADMK and BJP, have opted to boycott the by-poll, which was necessitated following the death of Congress MLA E.V.K.S. Elangovan last year.
With a total of 2,27,546 eligible voters in the constituency, nine polling booths have been identified as "sensitive," with additional security measures implemented in these areas to ensure peaceful voting.
Among the early voters was District Collector Raja Gopal Sunkara, who cast his vote at one of the polling stations.
Stay tuned for further updates as the voting continues.
