Chengalpattu, October 9:
Counting of votes has not been officially halted in the Madurantakam Assembly by-election, though the process witnessed a brief commotion earlier this morning inside the counting centre.
A candidate alleged malfunction in an electronic voting machine (EVM) and claimed that officials moved to subsequent rounds before the previous round had officially concluded. Following arguments and a brief interruption, security personnel removed the candidate from the counting premises.
Election officials clarified that the counting process remains on track, with subsequent rounds continuing under tight security protocols. Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) candidate K. Maragatham Kumaravel continues to lead the tally.
The leads remain provisional, and the final outcome will depend on the completion of all rounds of counting and the official declaration of results.