Chidambaram wins in Sivaganga, after all

CHENNAI - Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram won the Sivaganga Lok Sabha seat in Tamil Nadu Saturday after two recounts, poll officials said here.

Congress candidate Chidambaram was finally declared winner by about 3,500 votes over his nearest rival, Raja Kannappan of the AIADMK.

Chidambaram had first been declared defeated, by about 3,000 votes, after which he sought a recount. On recount, he was found to be the winner, following which Kannappan wanted a recount.

There was violence during the second recount, with AIADMK workers clashing with the police near the counting centre, police officials said here.

Poll officials said that after the second recount, Chidambaram was still found to be the winner.