The counting of votes for the Madurantakam and Dharapuram Assembly by-elections in Tamil Nadu will be taken up amidst a three-tier security cover.

The crucial by-polls held after the TVK came to power in May is viewed as a test for its popularity while the opposition AIADMK hopes to regain the seats lost to the TVK in the April Assembly elections.

The counting of votes will take place at the LRG Government Arts and Science College, Dharapuram, in Tiruppur district, and the Integrated Social Development Training Centre at Aathur (in Chengalpattu district) for Madurantakam.

Official sources said counting would begin at 8 am, with postal ballots taken up first, followed by votes recorded through Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

– PTI