About 60 p c vote in TN as poll passes off peacefully

Chennai, May 8 (UNI) An estimated 60 per cent of the over 4.63 crore electorate cast their votes as polling in 234 Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu for the formation of the 12th Assembly ended peacefully, barring minor incidents.

With the authorities throwing massive security cover, deploying more than one lakh security personnel, including unprecedented 198 companies of para-military forces, polling was by and large peaceful. There was one incident of firing and two of lathi-charge.

'But for a few minor incidents, polling was by and large peaceful in the state,' Chief Electoral Officer Naresh Gupta told UNI.

Polling began briskly at 0700 hrs with men and women turning up in polling stations in large numbers, in a bid to beat the searing heat.

As the mercury level started soaring, there was a slide in the pace of voting around noon. It, however, picked up steam in the afternoon. Districts witnessed brisk voting compared to the city, reports received here said. There was a lot of enthusiasm among the youth, especially those voting for the first time.

At stake are the electoral fortunes of Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, her Cabinet colleagues, DMK President M Karunanidhi, his son M K Stalin, senior leaders K Anbazhagan, Arcot N Veerasamy, and actor-politician Vijayakanth.

While Ms Jayalalithaa is seeking election from Andipatti for the second term, Mr Karunanidhi, who has remained unbeaten in the last ten elections, since 1957, is aiming for a hatrick in Chepauk.

Vijayakanth, heading the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) is making his debut in Virudhachalam in the Vanniyar-dominated Cuddalore district.

Former Union Ministers S R Balasubramoniyam and M Kannappan, PMK President G K Mani, Muthulakshmi, widow of forest brigand Veerappan and about 90 sitting MLAs are also in the field.

There are altogether 2586 candidates including 1222 independents.

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