Lok Sabha elections 2014: Election Commission gets youth volunteers, videography for Varanasi

LUCKNOW: Battleground Varanasi is likely to witness a high voter turnout this time, perhaps more than 70%, say Election Commission officials monitoring arrangements in the 18 constituencies in Uttar Pradesh that go to the polls on Monday.

Narendra Modi faces a fight against Congress’ Ajay Rai and AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal in the constituency which has a history of dismal voter participation.

The voting percentage was 42 in the 2009 general elections. The situation looks different this time, say EC officials.

“Both the high-decibel political campaigning and efforts by students groups have evoked much interest among voters of Varanasi. We have recorded one of the highest number of young voter registrations in the city,” said Umesh Sinha, UP’s Chief Electoral Officer.

In what could be possibly called the heaviest force deployment in a non-extremism-hit constituency, all 1,562 polling stations of Varanasi will be brought under CCTV coverage, on Monday. Besides, based on suggestions from contesting parties, EC has issued directions to the district election officer to ensure videography at every polling location, apprehending a flood of complaints alleging rigging, violence and other malpractices.

To make voting a pleasant experience, 59 polling centres will be decked in shamianas, will have play areas for children and serve buttermilk to voters. The turnout may also be influenced by the road shows held in the city by important leaders in the last few days.

Over 10 teams have been deployed to track poll-day events and relay the details to the district control room and the CEO.

The last day before polling passed off with very little disturbance, despite rumours creating a buzz online about the alleged seizure of liquor from the BJP office in Varanasi.

Senior IAS officer Praveen Kumar, who was sent as a Special Officer to monitor the election in Varanasi, said only T-shirts, posters and agarbattis were seized from the office. BJP workers had said unused publicity material was being sent back to the manufacturers.

“As soon as we received a complaint, our team and a flying squad reached the place. We have received more than 100 complaints in the last few days,” said Praveen Kumar.