RK Nagar bypoll: TTV Dhinakaran leads after second round
The counting for the symbolic RK Nagar assembly seat, which was earlier held by late Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa, is currently underway in Chennai. The counting began around 8am and is expected to be completed in 19 rounds. TTV Dhinakaran is currently leading. However, the counting was disrupted by clashes between supporters of AIADMK and sidelined AIADMK leader TTV Dhinakaran who is contesting independently.
Second round sees Dhinakaran lead; BJP left far behind
At the end of the second round of counting, the vote count stood at 10,421 for TTV Dhinakaran, 4,521 for AIADMK, 2,324 for DMK, 459 for Naam Thamilar, 208 NOTA votes, and 117 for the BJP. Commenting on the BJP's dismal performance, Tamil Nadu BJP chief Tamilisai Soundarajan said that counting trends indicated that other parties used cash-for-votes rampantly.
AIADMK supporters reportedly tried to disrupt counting
Around 9.30am, supporters of AIADMK and Dhinakaran clashed outside the counting hall violently. Despite attempts by officials to pacify both sides, violence continued. Police and paramilitary forces had to intervene and restore peace in what is believed to be attempts by AIADMK supporters to disrupt the counting process. Over 500 security personnel currently stand deployed near the counting hall.
