Sivaganga: One-vote margin triggers tense counting in Tiruppathur
A tense situation unfolded at the Tiruppathur counting centre in Sivaganga district after the contest narrowed to a single vote, with BJP functionaries reportedly arguing in support of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) candidate.
Minister Periyakaruppan had been leading for most of the counting. However, the display on the last three electronic voting machines reportedly malfunctioned, prompting officials to rely on the paper slips from the vote-verification unit for counting.
After the slips were counted, TVK candidate Srinivasa Sethupathi was found to be ahead by one vote. Even after 11.30 pm, officials did not immediately make a formal announcement, and the counting process continued.
Officials then began counting 306 postal ballots that had not been taken up earlier, but the outcome did not swing in Periyakaruppan’s favour. Later, citing Election Commission rules, they proceeded with a “randomisation” process and counted slips from five VVPAT units, completing the exercise around 2.00 am.
In the final tally, Srinivasa Sethupathi secured 83,375 votes, while Periyakaruppan polled 83,374, and TVK was declared the winner by one vote.
