Chengalpattu, Oct. 9 -- Counting of votes for the Madurantakam (SC) Assembly constituency by-election began on Friday at the Integrated Social Development Training Centre in Aathur, Chengalpattu district, following polling held on October 6.

The counting centre has been placed under tight security as officials begin the process of determining the winner.

Polling was conducted from 7 am to 6 pm across 285 polling stations, with 2,13,788 registered voters in the constituency. A total of 27 candidates are contesting the by-election.

Among the prominent candidates are TVK's K Maragatham Kumaravel, DMK's I Paranthaman, AIADMK's S Kanitha Sampath, NTK's G Janakiraman and CPI(M)'s P Suganthi, besides candidates from other parties and independ...