Wrong to compare 5 pm voter turnout data with final polling data: EC to Cong

Poll panel also dismisses party's allegations of deletions from voter lists in Maharashtra

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NEW DELHI: The Election Commission has brushed off Congress allegations in two key areas on which the party had sought a reply, insisting there is no discrepancy in the voter turnout figures or deletion from voter lists.

On October 19, Maharashtra's Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi had met the Commission on multiple issues. The Congress - an ally in the Opposition alliance - had complained about the inexplicable increase in voter turnout between the numbers of 5 pm and the final figures from the commission.

The poll panel denied any discrepancy and asserted that considering the 5 pm turnout as final is merely a misconception.

While the voting officially ends at 5 pm in most places, those already at the polling booth are allowed to cast their votes however long it takes.