Erode (East) bypoll 2025 | Tension at counting hall over occupying seat in the front

Tension at Government College of Engineering counting hall as NTK agent demands front seat, resolved amicably.

Tension prevailed for a while at the counting hall of the Government College of Engineering in Chithode when the polling agent of Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) raised slogans, claiming he was not allotted a seat in the front, which was occupied by other candidates and their agents.

At 8 a.m., NTK candidate M.K. Seethalakshmi arrived at the hall and was asked to produce her identity card. However, she refused, stating that she was the candidate. She also requested to stand near the counting table, but officials asked her to wait as another candidate and their agent were already standing there. She raised slogans, claiming permission was denied to her.

The agent accompanying Ms. Seethalakshmi said he belonged to a recognized political party and demanded a seat in the front. However, officials explained that seats were allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The agent continued to raise slogans, prompting officials to arrange a seat in the front row.

Additionally, DMK candidate V.C. Chandhirakumar raised concerns about the denial of his second agent’s entry to the counting hall. Officials clarified that only one agent was allowed with each candidate. The issue was later resolved amicably.