19-year-old, Sivakumar, a resident of Gandhigramam in Karur, had reportedly complained to the Election Commission about the distribution of sarees and dhotis to voters, allegedly by ruling party workers, on the eve of the polls held yesterday.
As he was returning home after the polling process, AIADMK workers allegedly waylaid and assaulted him with iron rods and machete, resulting in bleeding from his head.
Locals took him to a hospital at Karur and he was later referred to a city hospital and admitted late last night, police said.
The condition of the student is critical as his brain has suffered moderate to severe hemorrhage, hospital sources said.