Erode (Tamil Nadu) [India]: The counting of votes for the Erode (East) Assembly by-election has begun, with DMK’s VC Chandhirakumar taking an early lead.
According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), the voter turnout for the by-election was recorded at 67.97%.
Early Trends Favor DMK
As per initial results, VC Chandhirakumar is leading by 6,756 votes, having secured 7,837 votes so far.
The AIADMK and BJP boycotted the by-election, which was necessitated following the death of Congress MLA EVKS Elangovan on December 14, 2024.
Polling and Voter Turnout
The polling was conducted on February 5, across 237 polling stations at 53 locations in Erode (East). Voting began at 7 AM and concluded at 6 PM.
The voter turnout percentage at different times:
- 9 AM: 10.95%
- 11 AM: 26.03%
- 1 PM: 42.41%
- 3 PM: 53.63%
- 5 PM: 64.02%
A total of 2,27,546 registered voters were eligible to cast their votes, including 1,10,128 men, 1,17,381 women, and 37 transgender individuals.
Security Measures Tightened
Security has been significantly increased outside the counting center. Personnel from various law enforcement agencies have been deployed to ensure safety and smooth vote counting.
Candidates in the Fray
A total of 46 candidates contested in the election, including:
- VC Chandhirakumar (DMK)
- MK Seethalakshmi (NTK)
Identification Requirements for Voters
According to District Election Officer and Collector Raja Gopal Sunkara, voters were allowed to use any of the 12 specified documents for identification if they did not possess an Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC).
Other By-Elections in Progress
Simultaneously, counting is also underway for the:
- Milkipur by-election in Uttar Pradesh
- Delhi Assembly elections, where the BJP is currently leading on 41 seats
BJP candidate Parvesh Verma, contesting from the New Delhi Assembly constituency, called it an “important day for Delhi” and expressed hope for a BJP government in the national capital.