Counting of votes in Srirangam bypoll begins

Tiruchirappali (TN): Counting of votes in the byelection to Srirangam Assembly constituency began here this morning amid tight security.

The election was held on February 13 to fill the vacancy caused by disqualification of AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa following her conviction and four-year jail term awarded by a Bengaluru special court in a corruption case in September last year.

Ruling AIADMK has gone all out to retain the prestigious seat which saw a total of 29 aspirants including S Valarmathi (AIADMK) and N Anand of DMK in the fray.  Central armed police forces and state police hav ebeen dployed at the counting centre.

An estimated 81.83 per cent of the 2.70 lakh electorate exercised their franchise.