Counting of votes began

Mangalore, June 5 (UNI) Counting of votes polled on June two, by-election for Ullal Assembly seat began here today amid tight security., The political fortune of five candidates, including four from political parties and one independent, would be known by this afternoon, when the final results are likely to be announced.

While congress in an attempt to retain the seat has fielded by U T Khader son of U T Fareed whose death caused the election, BJP has fileded Chandrashker Uchil.

While coalition partner JDS has fielded Abubakar Natekal, CPM Balakrishna Shetty. The lone independent candidate was Bharathraj Shetty. 60 per cent of the about 1.60 lakhs voters have excercised their franchise.

UNI