Key Facts
The first-level checking (FLC) of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) units for the upcoming by-election to the Perundurai Assembly constituency commenced on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in Erode district. The bypoll date has not yet been announced.
The by-election was necessitated after independent MLA Venkatesan, who won the April 2026 Assembly election by defeating DMK candidate Thoppu Venkatachalam alias N.D. Venkatachalam with a margin of 9,693 votes, resigned his seat and joined the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) within two weeks of being elected.
Details of the EVM Checking Process
District Election Officer and Collector S. Kandasamy inaugurated the exercise at the EVM warehouse located on the premises of the Revenue Divisional Office in Perundurai. Officials stated that the verification process will be carried out over five days. Six engineers from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) have been engaged to inspect the EVMs and VVPAT units proposed for use in the bypoll.
The checking is being conducted in the presence of representatives of recognised political parties and in accordance with the guidelines of the Election Commission of India (ECI). Arrangements, including a static Internet Protocol (IP) facility, have been made to enable monitoring by the Chief Electoral Officer and the ECI. Police security has also been provided at the warehouse.
Scope of Verification
Officials said the functionality, technical fitness, and usability of the machines are being examined as part of the FLC process. The secure warehouse was opened in the presence of political party representatives before the commencement of the exercise.
- Total machines being verified: 584 Ballot Units, 584 Control Units, and 584 VVPAT units.
- Polling stations: 292 in the constituency.
- Buffer: 200% of the required number of machines are being checked.
Following the completion of the FLC, mock polls will be conducted on machines selected in accordance with ECI guidelines and in the presence of representatives of political parties. Officials said all election-related preparatory work is being undertaken in a transparent manner and in compliance with ECI norms.
Impact and What Readers Should Know
The Perundurai constituency has an electorate of 2,14,431 and recorded a voter turnout of 92.47% in the 2026 Assembly election. The bypoll is significant as it will test the strength of the newly formed TVK, which Venkatesan joined after his resignation. The ECI's strict adherence to guidelines ensures the integrity of the electoral process.
FAQ
Why is the Perundurai bypoll being held?
The bypoll was necessitated after independent MLA Venkatesan resigned his seat and joined the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) within two weeks of winning the April 2026 Assembly election.
How many EVMs are being checked for the bypoll?
A total of 584 Ballot Units, 584 Control Units, and 584 VVPAT units are being verified for use in 292 polling stations.
Who is overseeing the EVM checking process?
The process is being conducted by the District Election Officer and Collector S. Kandasamy, with six engineers from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and representatives of recognised political parties present.