Brisk polling at Vikravandi assembly seat in TN; records 12.94% turnout by 9 am

Chennai, Jul 10 (PTI) Brisk polling was witnessed in the bypoll to Vikravandi assembly constituency in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday with voters arriving early at polling stations enthusiastically from 7am to exercise their franchise.

According to official data, the constituency witnessed a poll percentage of 12.94 as of 9 am.

A total of 29 candidates are in the fray and the counting of votes will be taken up on July 13.

There are 2.34 lakh voters, including 1.15 lakh men and 1.18 lakh women voters in the constituency.

Tight security arrangements have been made at the polling booths in a triangular contest with ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's candidate Anniyur Siva (alias Sivashanmugam A) pitted against Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) C Anbumani and Naam Tamilar Katchi's K Abinaya.

The principal opposition All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and its ally Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) have decided to boycott the bypoll.

PMK, an ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party, and Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) are determined to upset the ruling DMK’s prospects at the hustings.

The seat fell vacant following the death of DMK legislator N Pughazhendhi, who died due to illness on April 6. PTI VIJ KH