Synopsis
The Erode East bye-election began today amid tight security, with 3,000 police officers deployed. Erode District Collector Raja Gopal Sunkara was among the first to vote, and initial reports indicate a high voter turnout. The counting of votes is scheduled for February 8, with a direct contest between DMK and NTK.Key Takeaways
- Polling started at 7 am with high turnout.
- 3,000 police officers deployed for security.
- Vote counting on February 8.
- DMK and NTK are the primary contenders.
- Special provisions made for elderly and disabled voters.
Chennai, Feb 5 (NationPress) The bye-election polling for Erode East began at 7 am today, with Erode District Collector Raja Gopal Sunkara being one of the first voters. Initial reports suggest a significant voter turnout, as long lines have formed at numerous polling stations.
A mock poll was executed at 6 am before the official voting commenced an hour later.
The voting process will continue until 6 pm, after which the electronic voting machines (EVMs) will be securely transported to Siddha Government College under stringent police surveillance.
Vote counting is set for February 8, with results anticipated on the same day.
A total of 3,000 police personnel have been deployed across 237 polling booths located in 53 areas throughout the constituency.
Ten booths have been marked as “vulnerable and problematic,” necessitating enhanced security protocols.
The constituency boasts 227,576 registered voters, consisting of 110,128 men, 117,381 women, and 37 transgender individuals.
Officials from the Election Commission confirmed that 246 senior citizens over 85 years old and individuals with disabilities have already cast their ballots.
Special arrangements, such as ramps, waiting areas, drinking water, and restrooms, have been established at polling stations for voter convenience.
To ensure a seamless election process, 24 zonal officers have been appointed to supervise polling activities.
Each officer is equipped with a vehicle that has GPS tracking for real-time oversight.
This bye-election has emerged as a direct contest between the ruling DMK and NTK, following the withdrawal of both the AIADMK and BJP.
The DMK has nominated former MLA V.C. Chandhirakumar, while the NTK’s candidate is M.K. Seethalakshmi, leader of the party’s women’s wing.
The DMK, vying for this seat after taking over from its ally Congress, is optimistic about clinching a decisive victory.
S. Muthusamy, Tamil Nadu’s Urban Development and Housing Minister and DMK’s Erode district secretary, spearheaded the party’s campaign along with local MP Prakash.
Speaking to reporters, Muthusamy expressed confidence that the DMK would win by a margin of 1.2 lakh votes.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has urged party leaders to ensure a significant victory, with Deputy Chief Minister and DMK youth wing leader Udhayanidhi Stalin playing a pivotal role in rallying support for Chandhirakumar.
The bypoll was necessitated by the passing of veteran Congress leader EVKS Elangovan, who secured the seat in the 2023 bye-election following the untimely death of his son, Thirumahan Everaa, due to a heart attack on January 4, 2023.
In the 2023 bypoll, Elangovan won by a margin of 66,233 votes, defeating the AIADMK’s K.S. Thenarassu, while NTK candidate Menaka Navaneethan garnered 10,827 votes.
Determined to leverage this election as a platform to bolster public support, the DMK is treating this contest with utmost seriousness, even in the absence of AIADMK and BJP candidates.
A pre-election survey conducted by People Studies between January 28 and 31 among 1,470 respondents predicted a clear victory for DMK, with 59.5 percent of voters favoring DMK, 16.7 percent supporting NTK, and 17.6 percent indicating an intention not to vote.
With polling now in progress, all eyes are on the February 8 vote count, which will establish the future representation of the Erode East constituency.