Tamil Nadu records 60% voter turnout

An estimated 60 per cent of the 4.16 crore electorate voted in the single phase Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu today which was marred by a fatal stabbing incident and stray incidents of skirmishes.      

A DMK local functionary was stabbed to death near a polling booth at Pappanampatti in Dindigul Lok Sabha constituency by a former associate, police said but maintained the incident was due to previous enmity and not poll-related.     

In neighbouring Puducherry, 80 per cent polling was recorded for the lone Lok Sabha seat.

Yanan, an enclave of the Union Territory, polled highest with 92 per cent.      

In Tamil Nadu, stray untoward incidents were reported from Chennai, Cuddalore and Salem, police said.      

In Chennai Central constituency, supporters of DMK's Dayanidhi Maran and Manithaneya Makkal Katchi's (MMK) Hyder Ali, clashed in front of a polling booth, over allegations of bogus voting. One person was injured and a few vehicles including that of Ali, were damaged, police said.     

In Cuddalore constituency, six persons were injured as DMK and AIADMK workers fought near a polling booth over allegations of money distribution by DMK.   

Voting began on a brisk note as people lined up near the polling stations braving the oppressive summer heat to make their choice from among 824 candidates.  

Both Karunanidhi and his bete noire, AIADMK chief Jayalalithaa expressed confidence that fronts led by their parties would fair well in the elections.