DPA leading as counting commences today

Chennai, Oct 18: The DMK-led Democratic Progressive Alliance (DPA) has established early lead in the local body elections in Tamil Nadu as counting of votes polled in the two-phase polls commenced at 0800 hrs today.

According to reports received here, the ruling DMK alliance is leading in Tiruchirapalli, Madurai, Salem and Coimbatore Corporations.

Out of the results declared for six wards in Tiruchirapalli corporation, the DMK alliance had won four wards, while the AIADMK front claimed two.

In Coimbatore, the DPA had clinched five wards, followed by the AIADMK one and Independent one.

In a solace to the opposition AIADMK, the party has established lead in Tirunelveli Corporation. The AIADMK has won three wards in Tirunelveli, closely followed by the DMK with two seats.

Counting of votes was not taken up in Chennai corporation following an undertaking given by the State Election Commission to Madras High Court, which was seized of complaints about large scale rigging and violence during polling in the city.

As per the trends received, the DMK alliance is set to sweep various Municipalities, third grade Municipalities, town panchayats and Panchayat unions.

Counting of votes was underway in 781 centres across the state amid a four-tier security and the final results were expected to be known in the late afternoon.

Elections were held for six corporations, 102 municipalities, 50 third grade municipalities, 561 town panchayats and 385 panchayat unions in the state.

UNI

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