AIADMK-AINRC workers clash

PUDUCHERRY: Cadres of the ruling AINRC and AIADMK almost came to blows outside the polling booth at the Adidravidar Welfare Department Office at Kamarajar Road, on Thursday. Trouble began when a group of AINRC cadres objected to the presence of AIADMK MLAs, A Anbazhagan and Om Sakthi Sekar, who were standing outside the booth on Kamarajar Road. A heated argument erupted and the two groups came close to exchanging blows. Police officials, including CISF personnel, rushed to the spot and pacified the parties.Later, the District Election Officer, Dr S B Deepak Kumar, when asked whether the MLAs were allowed to go near a booth, said that the MLAs did not go inside the booth. He also denied police resorting to mild cane charge to disperse the crowd.Congress candidate, V Arumugham, after routine checks in various booths, told reporters that the ruling party workers were threatening the rival parties.At the end of the day, the District Election Officer said that the by-election went on peacefully and thanked the voters and political parties for their cooperation.