Coming out in record high numbers to vote despite scorching heat, people of Varanasi today sealed the fate of BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi and AAP's Arvind Kejriwal in a fierce Lok Sabha battle, where their rival Ajay Rai of Congress landed in trouble after wearing the party election symbol to polling booth.
Police registered an FIR against Rai for alleged violation of election laws and breach of poll code of conduct, after Election Commission ordered an enquiry into the matter.
The total polling percentage reached a record 56 per cent by 6 PM, as against less than 43 per cent in last Lok Sabha polls in 2009, even as temperature soared to 43 degrees.
The polling, held amid massive security arrangements, was largely peaceful and no major incident of violence or booth capturing was reported. Police had to resort to mild use of force at some booths after people complained about names being missing from the voters' list.
Both urban and rural areas recorded high voting. Members of the minority community were seen coming out in large numbers to vote.
Election authorities said that the final turnout figure may change a bit, as the voters, who were inside the booths at 6 PM deadline, were allowed to cast their votes.
According to Election authorities, highest turnout of 59 per cent was recorded in Sevapuri assembly constituency while another rural constituency saw 56 per cent polling.
Among urban areas, Varanasi South assembly segment saw 58 per cent polling. In upmarket Cantonment area, the polling was lower at 54 per cent as also in Varanasi North Assembly constituency at 53 per cent till 6 PM.
In the most high-profile fight of the 2014 Lok Sabha election, Varanasi saw long queues in areas including Nadesar, Ram Nagar, Beniabagh and Benaras Hindu University campus since 7 AM when voting began.
AAP complained about alleged attempts of booth capturing in some areas.
