CHENNAI: After a gap of 25 years, the percentage of polling in the Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu has crossed 72 per cent. This is the third highest percentage recorded in the electoral history of the State. The highest — 76.56 per cent — was recorded in 1967, when the DMK led by Arignar Anna swept the polls.
The last time the State polled above 72 per cent was in 1984 (72.98 per cent). The State recorded 71.82 per cent in 1971. During the 2004 polls, the voter turnout stood at 60.81 per cent.
Of the 39 constituencies, Karur recorded the highest of 80.95 per cent, while the lowest voting turnout (61.13 per cent) was recorded in Central Chennai, where former Union Minister Dayanidhi Maran is contesting. There were clashes between the DMK and MMK cadre on May 13 and seven persons were hacked.
Twelve constituencies, including Madurai, from where Chief Minister M Karunanidhi’s son M K Azhaigiri is contesting, recorded more than 75 per cent. In 15 seats, the voting percentage ranged from 70 to 74.
Multi-tier security arrangements have been put in place in all counting centres across the State, where counting of votes will take place on May 16. In Chennai, counting will be held in Anna University, Queen Mary’s College and Loyola College.
The electronic voting machines, in which the electoral fortunes of 824 candidates have been sealed, are being guarded by gun-totting policemen round the clock. Paramilitary forces and State police will be deployed in the counting centres.CHENNAI: After a gap of 25 years, the percentage of polling in the Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu has crossed 72 per cent. This is the third highest percentage recorded in the electoral history of the State. The highest — 76.56 per cent — was recorded in 1967, when the DMK led by Arignar Anna swept the polls.
The last time the State polled above 72 per cent was in 1984 (72.98 per cent). The State recorded 71.82 per cent in 1971. During the 2004 polls, the voter turnout stood at 60.81 per cent.
Of the 39 constituencies, Karur recorded the highest of 80.95 per cent, while the lowest voting turnout (61.13 per cent) was recorded in Central Chennai, where former Union Minister Dayanidhi Maran is contesting. There were clashes between the DMK and MMK cadre on May 13 and seven persons were hacked.
Twelve constituencies, including Madurai, from where Chief Minister M Karunanidhi’s son M K Azhaigiri is contesting, recorded more than 75 per cent. In 15 seats, the voting percentage ranged from 70 to 74.
Multi-tier security arrangements have been put in place in all counting centres across the State, where counting of votes will take place on May 16. In Chennai, counting will be held in Anna University, Queen Mary’s College and Loyola College.
The electronic voting machines, in which the electoral fortunes of 824 candidates have been sealed, are being guarded by gun-totting policemen round the clock. Paramilitary forces and State police will be deployed in the counting centres.