The counting of votes for the R K Nagar bypoll on December 24 today and the results are expected to be out by afternoon.
The bypoll is being seen as an test for chief minister K Palaniswami and deputy O Panneeerselvam-led ruling AIADMK, which is facing a strong challenge from T T V Dhinakaran and an DMK.
Of the 59 candidates in the fray, the fight is essentially triangular with the key contenders being ruling AIADMK's E Madhusudhanan, main opposition DMK candidate N Maruthu Ganesh and Dhinakaran, contesting as an independent.