ERODE (TAMIL NADU): Vote counting for the Erode (East) Assembly bye-election is underway, and the DMK is currently in the lead.

As of 11:30 am, the Election Commission of India reported a voter turnout of 68%. Early counts show that DMK’s Chandhirakumar. V.C has received 7,837 votes, leading with 6,756 votes.

Extra security measures have been put in place outside the counting center, with various law enforcement agencies present to ensure the process goes smoothly and safely.

The bye-election was held after Congress lawmaker EVKS Elangovan passed away on December 14, 2024. The AIADMK and BJP decided to boycott this election.

The voting took place at 237 stations across 53 locations, starting at 7 AM and ending at 6 PM. Voter turnout numbers at different times were 10.95% at 9 AM, 26.03% at 11 AM, 42.41% at 1 PM, 53.63% at 3 PM, and 64.02% at 5 PM.

There are 46 candidates in the race, including MK Seethalakshmi from NTK and VC Chandhirakumar from DMK. The total number of voters is 2,27,546, which includes 1,10,128 men, 1,17,381 women, and 37 transgender people.

District Election Officer Raja Gopal Sunkara mentioned that voters who do not have an Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) can use one of the 12 other valid ID documents to vote.

In addition to Erode, vote counting is also happening for bye-elections in Milkipur, Uttar Pradesh, and the Delhi Assembly.

Erode By-Election Results: Security and Voter Participation

For the Erode by-election, around 600 police officers and a team from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) were stationed at the counting center to maintain security.
Erode By-Election 2025: Voter Turnout and Candidates

Out of 2,27,546 registered voters, 1,54,657 cast their votes, which is a turnout of 67.98%. The voters included 74,260 men, 80,376 women, and 21 third-gender electors. A total of 46 candidates participated, but the main contest was between V.C. Chandhirakumar from the DMK and M.K. Seethalakshmi from the NTK.

Meanwhile, BJP candidate Parvesh Verma from New Delhi Assembly said it was an important day for Delhi and prayed for a BJP win. The BJP is currently leading with 41 seats in the Delhi Assembly as per early results.