Sivaganga (TN): High drama preceded declaration
of Tamil Nadu Minister K R Periyakaruppan as the winner from
Tirupattur defeating AIADMK`s R S Raja Kannappan today as
counting was halted midway following doubts raised by the
eventual loser over intactness of seals of some EVMs.
Periyakaruppan was declared elected by 1,584 votes this
morning after Kannappan was persuaded to allow resumption of
counting by officials who dispelled his doubts over the EVMs
late last night.
Officials said Kannappan was leading by slender margins
ranging between 400 to 700 till 17th round when it dwindled to
just 46 votes.
Kannappan then objected to counting votes from some EVMs
which he suspected had been tampered with leading to a quarrel
between his agents and that of the rival.
Soon it was a free for all as furniture was hurled around
by both groups and CISF personnel intervened and brought the
situation under control.
In the 18th round, Periyakaruppan shot into a slender lead
when Kannappan again raised some objections about EVMs.
However, he was persuaded by officials to allow resumption
of counting.
PTI
