Bypoll counting : Whistle blows louder as ruling TVK leads in both seats, DMK and AIADMK in close race for 2nd spot

Chennai, Oct. 9 -- The sound of blowing of the Whistle (TVK poll symbol) grew louder as the ruling TVK of Vijay was ahead in both the Reserved Assembly seats, with its candidates establishing good lead over their DMK rivals as counting of votes polled in October 6 by-elections progressed on Friday morning.

Though the key bypoll was billed as a five-cornered contest, it turned out to be a three-way battle involving, TVK, AIADMK and DMK. The trend initially showed contrasting trends with TVK nominee and AIADMK turncoat Ms.K.Maragatham Kumaravel has established an early lead over her nearest DMK rival I.Paranthaman in Madurantakam, while it was a neck and neck race at Dharapuram with fortunes fluctuating between the TVK and AIADMK.

Reports f...