Varanasi: EC sends in additional forces

As the high stake electoral battle in Varanasi nears, the Election Commission on Wednesday said it has taken a plethora of measures, including deployment of additional forces and video recording of the polling exercise to ensure free and fair voting on 12 May.

‘We have discussed various issues relating to Varanasi in detail and the Election Commission has directed to take all possible measures to ensure free and fair polling,’ deputy election commissioner Vinod Zutsi told reporters here.

Election in Varanasi constituency has generated much heat as the BJP Prime Ministerial nominee Narendra Modi is contesting from the seat. He is pitted against AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal and Congress’ Ajay Rai.

Zutsi said security has been strengthened in Varanasi.

‘We have sent additional forces in advance. Security arrangements are adequate in Varanasi,’ he said adding that after tomorrow’s phase more personnel will reach the areas witnessing polling on May 12 in the last phase.

As per EC directives, polling booths will have micro observers also.