Chennai, May 13 (Inditop) One man was killed and 13 injured in election related clashes in three places in Tamil Nadu, including the state capital, Wednesday. Following the violence, the MMK’s Central Chennai candidate Hyder Ali demanded re-polling in the parliamentary constituency.
Police said DMK member S. Thangavel died after being stabbed during a clash between supporters of the state’s ruling party and AIADMK in Dindigul town, about 350 km from here.
Thangavel’s death was followed by pelting of stones by DMK supporters and tension prevailed in the town.
In Chennai, seven people were injured and four cars were damaged during a clash between supporters of the DMK and MMK.
“MMK volunteers objected to alleged bogus voting by DMK workers, leading to a violent clash between the two groups at Ice House (in central Chennai),” a police official said.
“Swords, wooden clubs and stones were used during the fight. Police reinforcements were rushed to the spot to contain the violence,” he added.
After the violence, Ali met Police Commissioner K. Radhakrishnan and demanded re-polling in 11 polling stations of the Central Chennai constituency.
“Voting was suspended for over an hour after our workers defied rigging attempts by DMK workers. The only alternative is a free and fair re-poll,” Ali told reporters.
Radhakrishnan said the Election Commission had issued orders to allow voters to exercise their franchise even after the 5 p.m. polling deadline.
“Tokens will be issued to all those who are in the queue by 5 p.m.,” said Radhakrishnan.
Six people were also injured in violence at a polling station in Cuddalore, about 230 km from here.
“We are receiving reports of sporadic violence but overall there is peace and everything is under control in Tamil Nadu,” Director General of Police K.P. Jain told Inditop.
Polling was underway in all 39 seats of Tamil Nadu in the fifth and final phase of general elections Wednesday.
