Monday, May 8 2006 10:39 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Chennai: Amidst unprecedented security, polling began this morning on a peaceful note for the one-day election to the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly.

In some booths people were seen queuing up from 6.45 am.

Unprecedented security arrangements have been made for the elections and 198 companies of para-military forces have been deployed along with the state police to prevent any untoward incidents.

In the city, police have deployed 15,000 of their personnel besides 1500 para-military forces.

Official sources said over 3,300 booths, spread over 60 constituencies, have been identified as sensitive depending on the candidates in the fray, caste or religious conflicts prevailing in the area. Nearly three lakh personnel will be on duty in 51,534 polling stations.

The state has 4.63 crore voters who will choose from the 2,586 candidates in the fray.

The ruling AIADMK, leading the Democratic People's Alliance, is contesting 182 seats, leaving 35 to MDMK, nine to DPI and the remaining among various smaller allies.

In the opposition Democratic Progressive Alliance, the DMK, heading the alliance, is contesting 130 seats. Congress has been given 48 seats while CPI-M 13, CPI 10 and IUML two.

The BJP and actor-turned-politician Vijaykant's DMDK, making electoral debut, are contesting the elections on their own.

The polling which began at 7 am, will end at 5 pm.