Chennai: An estimated 24.37 per cent of the total 6.23 crore electorate have cast their ballots till 1100 hours, as the single phase Polling to elect 39 members to the18th Lok Sabha from Tamil Nadu, which began on Friday morning, progressed smoothly, amid tight security.
Meanwhile, reports received here said two elderly people died when they came to cast their vote in a polling booth in Salem due to the intense heat wave.
Talking to reporters, Chief Electoral Officer Satyabrata Sahoo said 24.37 per cent polling
was reported as on 1100 hrs.
Kallakurichi recorded the highest of 26.58 per cent till 1100 hrs and Chennai Central the
lowest at 21.09 per cent.
When asked about the death of two people in a polling booth at Salem, Mr Sahoo said
both the victims were aged people. One of them had come in a wheel chair.
He said a report has been sought from the District Election Officer in this regard.
He also said that all basic amenities including drinking water, seating arrangements
with chairs had been provided in all the polling station across the State. Shamianas
have also bee put up to prevent people from getting exposed to the heat.
The elections process was progressing smoothly and no untoward incident was
reported from any part of the State, Mr Sahoo added.
The fate of a total of 950 candidates–876 men and 74 women–candidates, including 609
Independents will be decided today.
