Chennai, Feb 20 (BPNS)

Tamil Nadu recorded 61 percent voting in Urban local body elections to elect more than 12500 members to 640 urban local bodies. Chennai district recorded the least percentage with only 43.9% of the eligible population voting in the elections.

While polling was brisk in town panchayats and municipalities, in corporation it was sluggish. Madurai recorded 52.73% turnout while Tiruppur district registered overall polling of 60. 66% and the Coimbatore corporation recorded 55.81 % polling.

Tamil Nadu Director General of Police, C. Sylendra Babu while speaking to IANS said, “Polling was by and large peaceful barring a few minor incidents. Patrolling and police pickets helped in maintaining law and order in the state during the elections. The elections this time were much more peaceful compared to the last Urban polls. Cameras were installed not only at booths but in surrounding areas as well.”

He said that in the previous Urban polls, six murders had taken place in the state and this election was comparatively very peaceful.

Counting of votes will commence on February 22 at 268 centres across the state.

The two Dravidian majors, the ruling DMK and the opposition AIADMK raised allegations and counter-allegations against each other stating that money and gifts were distributed to voters to ensure votes.

The AIADMK has raised a complaint with the Tamil Nadu State Election Commission alleging booth capture by the DMK and demanded re-polling at 26 booths in the corporation.

In Cuddalore town, there was a minor issue when a group of people demanded voting rights after the scheduled 5 pm and police used mild force to disperse the crowd.