Turnout touches 53% by 5pm in Varanasi

The voter turnout further increased towards evening and touched nearly 53% in Varanasi by 5pm today.

According to election officials, the highest turnout of 57% was reported in the Varanasi South Assembly constituency while the rural areas of Rohiniya and Sevapuri saw 51% and 54% polling, respectively, till 5 P.M.

In the upmarket Cantonment area, polling was lower at 51% while in the Varanasi North Assembly constituency, it was at 50% till 5 P.M.

While polling was peaceful at most places, police had to resort to mild use of force at some booths after people complained about their names missing from the voters' list.

AAP also complained about alleged attempts at booth capturing in some areas.