In TN, voter turnout may touch 70%

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu, which went to poll on Wednesday, reported brisk polling of votes in almost all the 39 Lok Sabha constituencies. A similar trend was reported for the lone seat in Puducherry.

With both BJP and NDA looking for allies, the no-holds-barred contest between the ruling DMK-led front and the rival AIADMK front, was keenly watched at the national level.

According to official estimates, the total voter turnout exceeded 60%. Whereas the state recorded 60.81% voting in 2004, this time, it could go up to 70%. It is learnt the participation was heavy in rural areas. The state has a total electorate of 4.16 crore.

As expected, Madurai, where chief minister Karunanidhi���s son M K Azhagiri, is contesting, reported heavy polling right from morning. At 3 pm, the turnout was 80% against Chennai���s average of 45%.

According to poll observers, the heavy voting could be an indication of an anti-incumbency wave against the DMK government or the Congress led UPA government at the Centre or it could be due to influence of money power for luring the voters.

Apart from cash, parties indulged in supplying liquor and food to voters.

By and large, the polling process was peaceful barring some clashes between the parties and allegations of rigging and other irregularities. In a number of places, voters did not find their names in the list.

In Chennai Central, supporters of DMK���s Dayanidhi Maran and Hyder Ali of MMK clashed in front of a polling booth, over allegations of bogus voting. In Cuddalore, there was a clash between DMK and AIADMK cadres.

AIADMK chief J Jayalalithaa alleged DMK cadres attacked members of MMK and tried to commit irregularities such as booth capturing. ���I have received complaints that EVMs are not working properly in many places. In South Chennai, I have received a number of complaints in this regard,��� she said.

In Chennai, after casting votes, Karunanidhi and Jayalalithaa expressed confidence over their fronts securing massive victory.

Home minister, P Chidambaram, superstar, Rajinikanth, MDMK���s Vaiko were some of the early voters. Actor Kamal Haasan was fuming over his name not figuring in the list though he has been a regular voter and has been urging everyone to exercise their democratic rights.