Periyakaruppan was declared elected by 1,584 votes this morning after Kannappan was persuaded to allow resumption of counting by officials who dispelled his doubts over the EVMs late last night.

Officials said Kannappan was leading by slender margins ranging between 400 to 700 till 17th round when it dwindled to just 46 votes.

Kannappan then objected to counting votes from some EVMs which he suspected had been tampered with leading to a quarrel between his agents and that of the rival.

Soon it was a free for all as furniture was hurled around by both groups and CISF personnel intervened and brought the situation under control.

In the 18th round, Periyakaruppan shot into a slender lead when Kannappan again raised some objections about EVMs.However, he was persuaded by officials to allow resumption of counting.