The vote counting for the Erode (East) Assembly by-election has commenced, with the DMK candidate, Chandhirakumar V.C, taking an early lead. According to the Election Commission of India, the voter turnout for the election was recorded at 67.97%.
Early trends indicate that Chandhirakumar is leading with 7,837 votes, ahead by a margin of 6,756 votes. The counting process is taking place under tight security, with personnel from various law enforcement agencies deployed to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the process.
The by-election, held on February 5, was triggered by the passing of Congress lawmaker EVKS Elangovan on December 14, 2024. The AIADMK and BJP boycotted the election, and the voter turnout was substantial, reflecting strong public participation. Polling took place across 237 stations, spanning 53 locations, with the final turnout recorded at 67.97%. The voting took place from 7 AM to 6 PM.
The voter turnout at different intervals was as follows: 10.95% by 9 AM, 26.03% by 11 AM, 42.41% by 1 PM, 53.63% by 3 PM, and 64.02% by 5 PM.
A total of 46 candidates contested, including MK Seethalakshmi from NTK and VC Chandhirakumar from DMK. The total electorate consisted of 2,27,546 voters, including 1,10,128 men, 1,17,381 women, and 37 transgender individuals.
District Election Officer and Collector Raja Gopal Sunkara confirmed that voters who could not provide their Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) were allowed to cast their vote with one of 12 specified alternate identification documents.
Alongside the Erode bypoll, vote counting is also taking place for the Milkipur by-election in Uttar Pradesh and the Delhi Assembly elections.
In Delhi, BJP candidate from New Delhi constituency, Parvesh Verma, expressed optimism about the BJP’s prospects in the ongoing vote count, with early trends indicating the party’s lead on 41 seats in the Delhi Assembly.