Addressing media about the preparation for the by-poll, Lohani said, " The voting will be held at 279 booths. Of the total booths, 22 are new and 30 are model booths while 60 booths have been identified as 'sensitive'. Moreover, 5 pink booths have been formed where only women polling agents will be appointed."
Lohani also informed that 312 elderly and divyang persons have cast their votes on ballot papers and those have been collected by them.
Further, the SEC Chief said that Micro observers and a central force will be appointed at every booth, and of the total number of booths, webcasting will be done at 50% of booths.
To ensure free and fair voting, 1228 polling officers will be appointed. Meanwhile, 1000 police officials and 3 companies of central armed force have been deployed at different booths to maintain law and order.
"May 31 has been scheduled for Brajrajnagar by-elections and all special arrangements have been finalised. The polling parties have dispatched to their destinations and their dispersal is done from Jharsuguda Engineering School in Badheimunda. As many as 1228 polling officers including reserved are engaged in polling duty. Proper arrangements have been done to ensure security." said Lohani.
While the voting will be carried out following Covid norms with arrangements of sanitisers and thermal scanning at all polling booths.
As the election campaigning is scheduled to end today by 6pm, the political workers and leaders from outside the constituency have been ordered to leave Brajrajnagar. Moreover, liquor outlets will remain closed for 48 hours prior to the election date.
Voters can exercise their franchise by producing 12 different identity cards as an alternative.
The voters can make their queries at the toll-free number, 1950. Even help desks have been set up at every polling booth and special arrangements have been done to ensure a smooth conveyance of differently-able persons from their homes.
The conch party leaders alleged that they have taken up the poll violence issue with the SEC for as many as eight times but no action has been taken so far.
“They (BJP supporters) have been abducting our agents, throwing away ballot boxes, terrorising poling staff, intimidating and hurling abuses at voters. We demand stern action against those who are involved in these incidents which are a clear cut violation of model code of conduct,” said BJD MLA Ananta Narayan Jena.
The BJD’s arch rival in the State, the saffron party was quick in retaliating against the former. Registering displeasure over poll management, State BJP leaders staged a sit-in at the State Election Commission office on Wednesday. They alleged that the government officers were extending all possible help to the ruling party during the ongoing Panchayat elections. In instances of violence at booths, booth capturing and attack on their agents, neither district administration nor are the police coming to their rescue even after their intervention was sought, they alleged.
“They (the ruling BJD party members) have reduced the Panchayat polls to a farce. Government officials and employees are being forced to campaign for that party. Despite registering complaints along with proof of the blatant violation, the SEC is yet to take any action,” alleged BJP leader, Surath Biswal.
At the same time, the State unit of the grand old party Congress launched a scathing attack on the ruling BJD. Congress leaders alleged at a presser that none other than the ruling party has been fermenting violence in violation of the model code of conduct. Starting from the district Collectors to Block Development Officers (BDOs), all are working like agents of the ruling party, they alleged. They urged the SEC to be more active and alert in ensuring security of strong rooms.
“The State Election Commissioner seems to be helpless. By now, the people of the State are well aware how a helpless SEC is managing the elections,” said Padmakar Guru, Congress spokesperson.
However, the SEC is yet to come up with its reaction over the allegations levelled by the three main political parties in the State.
Meanwhile, a delegation of Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) met Odisha DGP Sunil Bansal today. The delegation led by former minister Manmohan Samal submitted a memorandum alleging inaction of police over poll violence and attack on journalists.
Samal alleged that police are not registering their complaint as they are in opposition. “We met the DGP and informed him about the activities of his department. In lower-level police is working as BJD workers,” he said.
He added, “We hope DGP will conduct an inquiry and take appropriate action.”
With significant improvement in the Covid situation in the State, the SEC has now relaxed some restrictions previously imposed on the counting procedure.
Earlier, the SEC had instructed that RTPCR or RAT test would be mandatory for officials to enter counting centres within 48 hours of commencement of counting even if they are fully vaccinated.
However, in view of the sharp decline in the number of fresh cases of Covid-19, the SEC has revoked the earlier instruction of mandatory testing. It has now said that all persons entering the counting hall will be thermally scanned and only fully vaccinated persons will be allowed inside the counting hall. This apart, the poll body has instructed that anyone eligible for entry into counting centres will however be not allowed pass if they exhibit Covid symptoms.
Notably, Odisha reported a record low of 388 fresh cases on Monday. The daily caseload of all districts in the State has now come down to double digits. Khordha registered highest 53 cases, followed by Gajapati (30) and Sambalpur (24). At the same time, as many as 1,049 patients have recovered from the disease.
Of the total five phases of the Panchayat elections in the State, the first three phases have already concluded and the fourth and fifth tranches will take place on Tuesday (February 22) and Thursday (February 24) respectively. The centralized counting of votes will be held at Block headquarters on February 26, 27 and 28.
During the fourth phase of election, polling will be held in 64 blocks of 27 districts. Around 51,31,000 voters will elect representatives for 163 Zilla Parishads and 1,254 Panchayats. While 667 Zilla Parishad candidates are in fray for the elections.
As per reports, the State Chief Secretary, Home Secretary and Director General of Police (DGP) attended the high-level meeting.
Earlier on Wednesday, several incidents of violence, booth capturing and rigging were reported from different places of Jajpur, Bhadrak, Dhenkanal and Puri districts during the first phase polling. Even an extremely disturbing incident of bombing was reported from Puri during an attempt to capture a booth that left 40 people injured, 17 of them critically. Moreover, media personnel were assaulted while covering booth capturing in the district.
Emerging out of the meeting, DGP Sunil Kumar Bansal thanked everyone for the peaceful conduct of the first phase polls in the Maoist-dominated areas.
"The first phase of Panchayat election was conducted largely in a free and fair manner across the State. However, cases of violence and misconduct were reported from 1-2 places. We have initiated action as per the law," said Bansal.
"We will take strict actions against those involved in such violent acts. We have already started arresting persons responsible for the violence. We will ensure to avoid any untoward incident or any violence in the next four phases. We have intensified patrolling in the areas. Any kind of violence or misconduct won't be tolerated," Bansal added.
Further, the DGP has assured that strict security measures will be in place for the remaining four phases of rural elections so as to ensure the conduct of the election in a free and fair manner.
The state government has recently amended the Odisha Zilla Parishad Election Rules, 1994, by adding another clause.
The new clause provides for appointment of agents by every party and the election officer will allow the authorised agents to verify the votes cast by the elected Zilla Parishad members of their respective parties as is being done during the Rajya Sabha elections, SEC officials said.
As per the new norms, during the indirect elections to the Zilla Parishad President and Vice-President posts, all the members will have to show their votes to the political agent appointed by their own party before dropping it in the vote box.
The parties will have to submit details on appointment of authorised agents in a prescribed form to the electoral officer by 5.30 p.m. a day prior to the election, the officials said.
As per the schedule, an interested elected Zilla Parishad member can submit his or her nomination paper for the President or Vice-President poll in between 10.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. on the election day.
The nominations will be scrutinised in the next one hour while the candidates can withdraw their nominations by 1 p.m. If required, voting will be held from 1.30 to 4 p.m. and then the result will be declared.
Meanwhile, a delegation from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) led by its Spokesperson Lenin Mohanty submitted a memorandum to the SEC demanding action against BJP legislator from Sambalpur, Jayanarayan Mishra.
In its memorandum, the BJD has alleged that Mishra has misbehaved with the Sadar tehsildar on February 15.
"He (BJP MLA) has been habitually violating the provisions of law and therefore should be suspended from campaigning as mandated by the model code of conduct," the BJD memorandum said.
The BJD also alleged that BJP leaders and workers are unleashing a wave of murderous attacks and criminal threats against the former's leaders and workers across the state. The BJD delegation demanded strict action against such BJP leaders and workers.
As alleged by the saffron party, Polsara's Buguda Tehsildar Sangram Keshari Jena has turned the government's Tehsil office into a BJD war room for the rural elections.
Moreover, BJP has also alleged that Rs 10 lakh has been transferred to the bank account of BJP's Zilla Parishad candidate from Kalimela in Malkangiri, Rani Kabasi's father from the account of Home Guard Sudhir Swain, who was abducted.
The saffron party has also alleged that many government officials have been inducing as well as threatening the BJP candidates over different issues by misusing the public office at the behest of BJD.
The list of complaints made by BJP also includes the incident of Athamallik's Kishan Nagar Block Chairman Babita Pradhan and Kishan Nagar Block Development Officer (BDO) unfurling the Tricolour on Republic day. This was despite the rules that bars government officials from hoisting the National flag in their home district.
The BJP delegation also alleged that even though Namita Nayak was announced victorious unopposed from Ankuli Panchayat in Patrapur Block of Chikiti, the BDO of Patrapur played his cards and pushed for re-election alleging stealing of nomination papers.
The delegation led by party General Secretary Lekhashree Samantsinghar has demanded investigation into all these incidents and stern action against the culprit government officials.
However, the response from the ruling party over the allegations couldn't be obtained.
As per a letter written to the SEC on June 13, the State government stated it is impossible to complete ward delimitation of 90 ULBs along with reservation of seats and hearing of 6,546 complaints within September.
Moreover, while Urban Development minister, Niranjan Pujari is hearing the complaint on ward delimitation and reservation of seats, Director of Municipal Administration, Sangramjit Nayak has written another letter to the district collectors to make hearings once again.
The Collectors have also been asked to provide information on voters and reservation of seats in a particular format.
As per schedule, the hearings should have been completed by September 6.
“Hearing is on and the schedule has been given to the SEC,” said Niranjan Pujari, Urban Development Minister.
While tenure of 65 ULBs will get over by September 19, term of 20 civic bodies will end on November 22.
Earlier, on January 30, the Director of Municipal Administration had directed the Collectors to complete ward delimitation and reservation of seats by April 30. However, the work is yet to be completed.
On the other hand, the government has decided to knock the doors of the Supreme Court challenging the Orissa High Court order on restricting reservation of seats within 50 percent.
“The State government is bound to hold elections in five years. But if the SC says reservation should be within 50 percent, the State government will have to hold the elections even after completion of 5 years,” said Amareshwar Mishra, a Political Science expert.
Meanwhile, BJP pulled up the ruling party alleging the latter is trying to delay the civic polls.
“The government knows the ruling party will not do well in ULB elections. Therefore, the State government is making a ploy,” said Prithviraj Harichandan, Odisha BJP general secretary.
Refuting the charges, BJD spokesperson Pratap Deb said “The government wants no category should be left out which might give an impression to the BJP that the ruling party is afraid of ULB polls or does not want to hold polls. But the saffron party should know that it has secured third position in all by-elections since 2014.”
In a letter to the Urban Development department, secretary of the SEC RN Sahu asked the government to finish delimitation of 93 ULBs.
Term of 66 ULBs including the Berhampur Municipal Corporation will be over by September 30, 2018 whereas tenure of other 20 ULBs will complete by December 4, 2018.
The SEC secretary also asked the government to finish reservation of the offices of Chairperson of municipalities under Sec 47 of the Odisha Municipal Act, 1950.
https://youtu.be/RqS8PrLg5CM
Once the election begins, even the High Court or the Supreme Court cannot intervene; hence government interference during the process is unconstitutional, informed SEC’s advocate to the HC.
The SEC presented its stand on the issue through its counsel during the hearing of a case filed Sundergarh ZP member, Sukhlal Munda.
“When even the courts are not interfering in the matter, no legislation could be brought to change the poll rules. To bring any changes to the poll rules is grossly unacceptable and undemocratic,” said the advocate representing SEC, Pitambar Acharya.
Also Read: BJP moves HC after BJD amends ZP election rules
The State government brought a change in the Odisha Zilla Parishad Act – 1994 while the panchayat polls were on during the State. Section 51 of the Act was amended to allow agents of every party to be present during the election the chairman and respective ZP members will have to inform their agents about the candidates they have voted to become the chairman.
Challenging the change, Munda had moved the Orissa High Court. The State government will present its stand on the matter before the HC on Mach 22.
The HC order came following an appeal by a ZP candidate of Malkangiri district not to hold the elections for ZP chairman posts as polling could not be conducted in two and one zones in Malklangiri and Nuapada dists, respectively.
Sources said polls were not held in ZP zone number 7 and 8 of Chitrakonda in Malkangiri due to Maoist threats. Similarly, polling was not conducted in 2-Komna ZP seat in Nuapada district following a high court order.
“Since polls were not held in two zones of Malkangiri district, I had prayed the High Court to direct the State Election Commission not to conduct the ZP chairman election in the district. The High Court has ordered in favour of me,” said Chitrakonda ZP candidate Tiburam Tangulu.
An official of the district administration said that they have received the High Court order and take the necessary steps accordingly.
Voting is underway at booth no 1 to 9 and 12, 14, 17, 18, 20 and 21 amid tight security. Elaborate arrangements have been made to ensure a smooth conduct of polls. Activities are videographed at all booths. Adequate security personnel have been deployed to avoid any eventuality.
4 DSPs, 10 Inspectors, 10 Sub-Inspectors and 10 ASIs have been engaged in security of the polling centres. Cuttack rural SP is overseeing the security arrangements.
Alleging booth rigging at some polling centres of panchayat during elections on February 21, some miscreants allegedly looted ballot boxes from few booths following which State Election Commission had ordered for a re-poll at 6 booths of the GP.
Also Read: BJD Accepts Charges Of Booth Rigging During Panchayat Polls
Violence took place again followed by scuffle and group clash in the panchayat during polling. A video of booth capture was telecast in the media in which people were seen manipulating votes threatening the polling officers. The SEC had ordered re-poll at 15 booths.
Polling will continue till 12 pm after which evaluation will be carried out in block office.
“Adequate police protection has been ensured in the area. Magistrates are also present. Video recording is being carried out at all booths. Voting is going on smoothly from 7 am onwards so we hope the polling will be completed peacefully,” Cuttack Sadar SDPO Jayant Mohapatra told media persons.
A BJP delegation led by party Vice President Samir Mohanty met the state election commissioner RN Senapati and apprised him of the situation.
Speaking to media persons after the meeting, Mohanty alleged ruling party of using government machinery during vote counting leading to extensive irregularities in the final results of the five phase three tier civic polls in the state.
“Many of our winning Zilla Parishad candidates have lost their seats after the final counting,” he said.
Earlier, on Sunday, the BJP alleged the ruling party has snatched away 34 Zilla Parishad candidates from them after a party review meeting on panchayat elections.
The Congress too met the SEC with a team led by Opposition Chief Whip Tara Prasad Bahinipati complaining of forgery in counting which led to loss of winning party’s Zilla Parishad candidates.
Notably, after the conclusion of Panchayat Polls the BJD topped the results claiming 473 Zilla Parishad zones followed by BJP with 297 seats and Congress in the third spot with only 60 seats.
The silence of the Commission did not go well with the Congress and BJP, which alleged the commission being hand in glove with the ruling party. They said the lack of information on winning candidates has given rise to conflicting assessments of the Zilla Parishad results as parties stake baseless claim. The BJD claimed to have 477 out of 848 Zilla Parishad seats while the BJP informed the media that it has won 307 zones.
“Congress leader and Opposition chief whip Tara Prasad Bahinipati alleged that BJD is benefitting from the silence of SEC. As the commission did not make the winners' name public, BJD and BJP have got a scope of staking claims which are baseless. This is raises serious concerns on the transparency of SEC in conducting the elections," Bahinipati said.
BJP also condemned such practice and alleged it is an attempt to manipulate the clear mandate. “We hoped that the Commission would declare the names, but we condemn the silence of the SEC. It is a joint effort to curb the clear mandate," BJP general secretary Prithiviraj Harichandan said.
On the other hand, a former election commissioner found no obstacle in announcing the names of the victorious candidates. "I do not think that there is any problem if the names are made public. This is just the reports of lower officials. It is a public documents," former State Election Commissioner Debendra Mishra said.
BJD refuted opposition parties’ allegations citing that it is a symbol of frustration. “Not trusting a constitutional body like the SEC is not fair on the part of the opposition. It symbolises their frustration after defeat,” said BJD spokesperson, Amar Satpathy.
Bhubaneswar: An official announcement of the names of Sarpanch and Ward Member candidates, who won in the recently concluded three tier Panchayat Polls, will be made today at all block offices across Odisha, State Election Commissioner R N Senapati has informed.
Tabulation of the results will be undertaken at the block offices from 9 am onwards on February 23, the State Election Commissioner told newsmen on Wednesday.
Poll officials and representatives of the poll candidates will also remain present during the process, Senapati added.
Notably, elections for the posts were completed in five phases across the State few days back.
“Both BJP and BJP managed to influence the voters through massive use of black money. Both the parties spent huge money in their poll campaign and toured districts in helicopters. Congress failed to match them in terms of use of money and muscle power and misuse of government machinery. My party does not believe in such politics,” Harichandan told media persons at Jayadev Bhawan here.
Talking about the results, he said the unofficial results of the five-phase polls have been flashed in the media. The official announcement by the State Election Commission (SEC) would be made on February 23 and 25. “As the president of the State Congress, I hold myself responsible for the pathetic show of my party in this Panchayat polls due to lack of proper planning and coordination,” he said.
Referring to the impressive electoral gains made by BJP as suggested in the trends, Harichandan said the show was temporary and the party should not conclude that a similar pattern would be repeated in the Assembly elections in 2019.
Stating that Congress would review the political scenario in the aftermath of the Panchayat polls, the OPCC president said future strategies would be worked out after the results of Assembly elections being held in some states are announced next month.
Respecting people’s mandate and welcoming the winning candidates, Harichandan said the massive defeat of Congress has deeply hurt the sentiments of the thousands of people who love the party dearly. “But I am sure the undaunted workers of my party with never-say-die mindset are immensely capable to strengthen the party. Congress has always stood firmly behind the people and fought for the poor and downtrodden. If we continue our fight for the people to give them their due, they will repose their faith on us,” the OPCC chief pointed out.
Harichandan thanked his party colleague and Jharsuguda MLA Naba Das under whose deft leadership Congress came out with flying colours and is all set to form Zilla Parishad. He also welcomed the party workers and leaders of Rayagada and Gajapati districts where Congress remained ahead of other parties.
Expressing his gratitude to the party workers, he said Congress would remain indebted to those who have stood by it during adverse circumstances.
“In the fifth phase the voter turnout was 77%. Barring stray incidents of poll-related violence at some places, the voting was peaceful,” said State Election Commissioner R N Senapati.
The official said, the highest 88% turnout was recorded in Sonepur district while Ganjam district witnessed the lowest with 67%.
In the first phase, the polling was around 71%, while the figure was 73% in second phase. In the remaining fourth and fifth phases, 75% and 76% voter turnout was recorded respectively.
Officials said, the overall polling percentage in the three-tier rural polls in the State stood at 74%.
The State Election Commission (SEC) said the polling percentage is likely to increase since voting is still going on. Voters who have been issued tokens by 12 pm will be allowed to exercise their franchise, it added
Barring stray incidents of violence at some places, polling in the remaining areas went on smoothly. Long queues could be seen in at the polling booths with women and elderly persons waiting all to exercise their franchise.
Polling went on smoothly in the Maoist infested districts in the state with deployment of adequate security personnel at some sensitive and hypersensitive booths.
Polling was held for 16,148 ward members, 1173 Samiti members in 150 Zilla Parishad zones in 58 blocks of 26 districts in which a total of 44,50,893 voters exercised their franchise. Counting of votes began at 1 pm.
Out of the 189 Zilla Parishad zones across 10 western Odisha districts where polls have been conducted till now, the BJD has only be able to claim only 51. Even the party admits that their calculation has gone absolutely wrong as far as Western Odisha is concerned.
“Calculation has gone totally wrong. We never expected Congress to put up such a weak performance in Western Odisha and not field any candidates. We had absolutely no idea that the grassroots cadres of the Congress would transfer their votes. However, places where our calculations have gone wrong will be reviewed and set right,” said BJD spokesperson, Surya Narayan Patro.
Also Read: BJD blames overconfidence for lost ground in Panchayat polls
Interestingly, the BJP has found success in stronghold regions of Coastal and Northern Odisha.
While some of the party leaders have raised fingers on the bureaucrats for party’s such decline in performance, others continue to flag the issue of complacency and overconfidence within the party cadres.
“I have never allowed any bureaucrats to enter my constituency. Given my track record, the panchayat voters have bestowed their faith on me once again,” said Agriculture minister, Pradeep Maharathy.
“We will examine if there have been any election management-related issues which led to such a performance. Another reason could be our inability to assess the changing political equation in the state. However, I feel that self confidence is necessary, but it should not turn into overconfidence,” said BJD spokesperson, Amar Satpathy.
On the other hand, as per BJD’s spokesperson, Rabi Narayan Nanda’s analysis “The party workers were involved in the elections and their focus was on the sarpanch and samiti member posts. This could be the reason why the party lost focus on the ZP zones.”
The State Election Commission (SEC) has made all arrangements in these villages like others for polls, but absence of large number of voters has raised serious apprehension of proxy voting. There are eight Zilla Parishad zones in Patanagarh area. But, some panchayats like Bagdor, Bahabahal, Beheramunda, Belpada, Bharuapali, Dhamabhata, Lathor and Tankapani have only a handfull of voters including some elderly and physically challenged persons. Around 35,000 locals from these areas have migrated to different States for job.
Those remained in villages will exercise their franchise, but voters who are outside the State can not return in an odd time to cast vote, a resident said. "Government continues to turn a blind eye to our problems. So, our people are migrating outside the State to provide food for our empty stomachs. Can they come for voting?, Umakant Pradhan, resident of Patanagarh area, said.
Also Read: Repolling on at some booths in 4 blocks amid tight security
The district administration called upon the voters to utilise their political rights. "We urged them to exercise their franchise as it is their right. Works are being provided to them under MGNREGA and other government schemes. Steps are also being taken to ensure their local engagement", Collector Asis Thakre said.
He added that agents of the political parties will guard the duplicity in voting. "Polling agents will strictly verify the identification of voters before they enter the polling chamber. We are fully alerted to ensure fair polls. The visit books of presiding officers and sector officers are being scrutinised," Thakre added.
Briefing media persons here, BJP National President Suresh Pujari said the judicial probe is imperative since BJP and the ruling BJD have also levelled same charges.
“We demand that the state government should order a the judicial probe into the matter by a sitting judge with prior permission of the Supreme Court so that the proper action would be taken against the erring officials as well as the leaders who are indulged in poll irregularities,” he maintained.
“The allegations brought by these two parties are against four senior bureaucrats of the Chief Minister’s Officer (CMO) who have grossly violated the model code of conduct enforced by the State Election Commission (SEC) for the three-tier panchayat polls, the fifth and the last phase of which will be concluded on February 21. Besides the four officials, the ADG, Law and Order, and the district collectors also have also grossly violated the model code,” Pujari added.
The BJP leader also informed that these aforesaid officials were pressurising the subordinate staff to work for the ruling party. “If the chief minister has the guts, let him ask the police to verify the call records and the WhatsApp messages in the mobile phones of these aforesaid officials to ascertain the veracity,” Pujari challenged. We have submitted the WhatsApp messages of several officers to the SEC and urged the Commission to take stern action against them as per rules,” Pujari said.
Countering the statement of Pujari, BJD spokesperson Samir Das said the BJP should redress its grievances to the SEC if it has conclusive evidence against any official
He further said there is no truth in the statement of Pujari which has told the media. “The saffron party is trying to influence the people to vote in its favour in the fifth and final phase polling,” Das added.
Refuting the claims of the BJP leader the attempts are being made by some bureaucrats to tamper with the poll results, Das said the BJP should refrain from giving such fallacious statements to the media which are baseless.
Barring Jharsuguda and Boudh districts, polling would be conducted in the remaining 28 districts.
“A total of 50,61,974people would exercise their franchise for the election of 1324 Panchayat Samiti members and 18,876 Ward Members in 162 Zilla Parishad (ZP) zones.
Sources in the State Election Commission (SEC) said out of 162 ZP members, polling would be held for 161 ZP members following the death of Kailash Sahu, an Independent candidate of Gania zone number-8 in Nayagarh district. Election will be held for Panchayat Samiti members and Ward Members in this zone.
Elaborate security measures are being taken at the sensitive booths in 28 districts with adequate deployment of security personnel. Besides, extra security measures have been taken in the Maoist infested districts.
To ensure no threat to the polling parties, SEC has directed the district superintendents of police to provide armed police force to accompany each polling party for their arrival at their respective booths.
“There are a number of bureaucrats who are harassing our party workers and leaders. We have identified them. We will set up a commission and take appropriate action against them after coming to power in 2019,” State BJP general secretary Bhrugu Buxipatra told media persons here today.
Taking a dig at the Koraput district collector, the BJP leader said the former is working like the district BJD president. Citing the modus operandi of the collector, Buxipatra said his party had organised a meeting at Borigumma on February 13. Four days before the meeting, a request was made by the BJP party office to the Koraput collector to allow Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan to land in a helicopter at the meeting venue. But the district administration did not give requisite permission. After persistent request, the administration agreed at the last moment and allowed the landing of the helicopter on the day of the meeting for which the meeting was inordinately delayed.
Also Read: Panchayat Polls: BJP levels serious charges against top cop, urges SEC to relieve…
Terming the incident as grossly unfortunate and deplorable, Buxipatra said the ruling BJD had wanted no election meeting of the BJP in the district for which it had directed the district administration to act accordingly.
“As the administration is working as an employee of the ruling BJD, it is opposed to the BJP campaigning. We request the administration to maintain neutrality and refrain from such unethical activities in gross violation of the model code of conduct failing which we will be forced to take action against them by constituting a commission after unseating the BJD in 2019 Assembly elections,” he maintained.
“Overconfidence many a times leads to the downfall of a party. In some places our self-confidence was so high that it manifested as overconfidence. There are places where party functioning was not proper. The same functioning had brought us success hence we will review our performance after polls,” said BJD spokesperson, Amar Satpathy.
A look at the unofficial results after the three of five phases reveal that as compared to the previous election in 2012, the ruling BJD has lost as many as 135 Zilla Parishad zones till now.
BJD supremo and CM Naveen Patnaik’s noticeable lack of participation in the campaigning, discord within the party and mismanagement of the elections at a political level are being cited to be the reasons behind its sub-standard results so far. Some even attribute that Congress’ decline has played out in favour of the BJP pushing it beyond the comfort zone of the BJD.
Rumors are doing rounds in the political quarters that Naveen Patnaik is displeased with his party’s performance and some strict action could be taken after the post-poll performance review.
Also Read: 3rd phase panchayat poll results: BJD, BJP battle it out as Congress falls flat
BJD’s unquestionable dominance has been seriously challenged by the BJP which has seriously dented the track record of some of the ruling party heavyweights. In Bolangir, MP Kalikesh Singhdeo has failed to achieve cent percent results. Similarly, in Bargarh, MLA Debesh Acharya, MP Prasanna Acharya, MLA Sushant Singh have not been able to achieve the desired results. BJD’s performance in Sonepur has been a setback for MLA Padmanav Behera and the picture is also not so rosy for speaker Niranjan Pujari. BJP has been able to make inroads into the Jajpur and Bijharpur, much to the discomfort of Minister Pranab Prakash Dash and MLA Pramila Mallick. Similarly, the saffron party has been able to stamp its footprint in BJD heavyweight and minister Damodar Rout’s constituency Jagatsinghpur.
“I manage the elections in my constituency myself. There were no management-related problems. I have never seen any rally or public meetings of BJP here. But how they were able to claim 2 zones is something which needs review. I will look into it and ensure that it will not be repeated in the Assembly polls,” said Rout.
Barring Jharsuguda and Boudh districts, polling would be conducted in the remaining 28 districts.
“A total of 50,61,974people would exercise their franchise for the election of 1324 Panchayat Samiti members and 18,876 Ward Members in 162 Zilla Parishad (ZP) zones,” SEC secretary Rabindranath Sahu told media persons here.
Informing that the polling parties have left for their respective polling booths and will arrive at their destination by this afternoon, Sahu said elaborate security measures are being taken at the sensitive booths in 28 districts with adequate deployment of security personnel.
“To ensure no threat to the polling parties, the district superintendents of police have been given specific instruction to provide armed police force to accompany each polling party for their arrival at their respective booths,” he said, adding that extra security measures have been taken in the Maoist infested districts.
Sahu said following disturbances in some booths like snatching ballot boxes, setting fire to ballot papers and attack on polling officials during the first phase polls, SEC had directed the district Superintendents of Police to provide additional forces for the security of polling officials during their return from the booths with ballot boxes.
“Due to the disturbances, we had ordered first phase repolling in 62 booths. But after the steps were taken by the SPs as per the recommendation of the SEC, the number of disturbances came down to 25 in the second phase and 10 in the third phase (polling in one booth could not be held due to flaw in ballot papers),” he added.
In Kendrapara district, the repolling was conducted at two booths in Bangalapur panchayat, eight booths under Ramchandrapur panchayat and one booth in Jagdalpur GP amid tight security. One platoon of police force was stationed at the booths where the re-election was held.
Notably, miscreants had looted ballot box from 11 booths and thrown them into river and damaged ballot paper during the first phase rural polls on February 13 leading to cancellation of the poll process.
Besides, the repolling was held at two booths in Balasore district, 16 booths in Cuttack, five in Jajpur, 11 in Kendrapara and one in Nuapada.
Also read: Post-poll violence continues unabated in J’singhpur
The re-election was held at booth no-4 at Purunapani in Baunsapala panchayat of Kamakhyanagar block in Dhenkanal district where 379 eligible voters are present.
In Nuapada district, the repolling was organised at booth no - 12 in Renga under Kureshwar panchayat of Komna block. During the first phase panchayat polls on February 13, ballot box was torched at the booth no-12 in Renga.
The saffron party is now 1 zone short of forming the ZP in Sonepur district after it made a clean sweep in the 3rd phase after claiming all the 4 zones which went for polls today. BJP now has 6 zones out of the total 13 zones in the district.
BJP’s strong performance here continued in the 3rd phase after it made another clean sweep after claiming all 7 zones in the 3rd phase. BJP has won all the zones in all the 3 phases in Kalahandi. Out of the total 36 zones, BJP’s tally is now 25.
In another clean sweep, the BJP claimed all the 5 ZP zones where polls were conducted in the 3rd phase. BJP’s tally in the district is now 27 and is only short of 2 zones to form ZP in the district which comprises of 56 zones.
Also Read: Panchayat polls: BJD emerges winner, BJP continues to make inroads
In Bargarh, BJP emerged as winner in 7 out of 8 ZP zones taking its tally to 15 in the district. The party is now 3 zones short of forming the ZP in the district.
The ruling BJD will be forming the ZP in Boudh district after claiming 1 zone in the 3rd phase taking its tally to six out of total nine zones of the district.
BJD’s dominance continues in Jagatsinghpur district as the party has claimed 5 out of the 8 zones which went for polls in the 3 phase. While BJP won in 2 zones, Congress claimed 1 zone. The BJD has now won 13 zones in the first three phases out of 26 zones in the district.
Similarly in Kendrapara, BJD made a clean sweep by claiming all the 7 zones which went for polling. In Khurda, out of 7 zones, 6 went to BJD and 1 to BJP.
As soon as counting began at 1 PM after conclusion of the third phase Panchayat polls, the polling agents representing respective political parties present at the counting found that as against the total number of 800 voters in Siripur booth, there were excess 300 votes inside the ballot box.
Protesting the incident, irate locals gheraoed the presiding officer and the polling officer.
As the police patrolling team tried to take away the ballot box after intervening in the matter, a scuffle ensued. The irate locals beat up some policemen and the polling officer and damaged the patrolling van.
Following information, Sadar SDPO rushed to the booth with additional police force and took stock of the situation.
“After collecting the ballot box from the booth, the police patrol team was about to move along with the polling officer when some people suddenly pelted stones from behind and attacked the polling officer with sticks. After receiving information, I rushed to the spot with additional forces and brought the situation under control, Bhawanipatna Sadar SDPO Biranchi Prasad Dehuri told media persons.
He said the situation is under tense but under control. “Police force has been deployed in and around Siripur village to ward off any untoward incident,” he added.
Admitting that there has been ghost polling, he said the villagers have demanded repolling in this booth. “We have informed the district Superintendent of Police while the local Tehsildar and BDO are aware of this incident. Repolling would be conducted in this booth if the district administration recommends the concerned authority”, he pointed out.
BJP’s performance in the first two phases of the ongoing 3-tier as shown by the unofficial count has surprised one and all to the extent that even BJD which still remains the winner is visibly out of its comfort zone. It’s been a performance of sorts for the BJP which has already won in 127 zones while it was only able to win 36 in the 2012 elections.
“The BJP has won in a few zones. It is like a Dengue fever. It doesn’t kill you and if treated at the right time it can be cured. After we review our performance once the polls are over, BJP will go back to its previous position,” said Excise and Cooperation minister, Damodar Rout.
Other BJD leaders attribute BJP’s surge and their own sub-standard results as complacency which has set in within the party after holding on to power for so long.
“We have been winning for long hence everyone was very complacent. This is the result of our complacency. Moreover, Congress has also merged with BJP,” said minister Debi Prasad Mishra.
There might be different reasons, but it is definitely a warning bell which, if goes unheeded, might lead to perilous circumstances.
“BJD has tasted success in every election. This time round, BJP seems to have gained some ground which is creating a doubt over BJD. Nonetheless, it is a loud warning bell for the BJD,” said BJD MLA, Prafulla Samal.
Even though BJD still remains on top after the unofficial results from the first two phases, its share has definitely declined. BJD has lost as many as 70 zones in the first two phases.
Actor Uttam Mohanty who recently joined BJD hinted at one of the problems while commenting on the party’s poor results in Mayurbhanj district.
Also Read: BJP’s poll success: Amit Shah congratulates party workers
“There is so much of difference in opinion among the party leaders that, I could have only done something had I joined the party much earlier. It’s not a fight between BJD and BJP; but a tussle within BJD. I would blame the local leaders for poor performance in Mayurbhanj district,” said Mohanty.
“The party will definitely review why vote bank has declined and would find out the real cause,” said senior BJD spokesperson, Surya Narayan Patra.
Briefing media persons here today, State Election Commission (SEC) secretary Rabindranath Sahu said a total of 53,234,993 people would exercise their franchise for the election of 1394 Panchayat Samiti members and 18,859 Ward Members in 175 Zilla Parishad (ZP) zones in 65 blocks of 30 districts.
He said the polling parties have left for their respective polling booths and will arrive at their destination by this afternoon.
Talking about security measures, Sahu said additional police force have been deployed at the sensitive booths to ward off any untoward incident and ensure free and fair polls. “Besides, elaborate security measures have been taken in the Maoist prone districts,” he added.
The SEC secretary further said that in the third phase Panchayat polls, polling would be held in Deogarh district which was scheduled in the first phase polls but was deferred due to security reasons.
“Elections would be held for 26 Sarpanches, 26 Panchayat Samiti members and 312 Ward Members in two Zilla Parishad zones of Riamal block in which 74,163 people would exercise their franchise. Three-tier security arrangements have been put in place in Deogarh district to maintain law and order during the polls,” he pointed out.
Giving details of poll related violence during the second phase polls which concluded yesterday, Sahu said the Commission has received reports on 21 incidents of violence and two incidents relating to poll disturbances.
“The Commission has received reports from the district collectors who have recommended repolling in some booths where violence was reported during polling. The Commission would take a decision after analysing these reports very soon,” he informed.
He, however, said as compared to the first phase polls, the number of violence has drastically come down in the second phase polls.
The ruling BJD emerged as winner by claiming 97 ZP zones and was closely followed by BJP. Congress’ dismal performance continued as it was only able to win 15 ZP zones. Four zones were claimed by the Independent candidates.
Continuing its good run in Kalahandi district in the second phase, BJP again made a clean sweep by claiming all the 9 ZP zones where polls were conducted in the second phase. In the first phase BJP had also claimed all the 9 zones. Out of the total 36 zones in Kalahandi, BJP has claimed 18 zones so far.
The Congress, whose performance has been poor so far claimed the Jharsuguda ZP zone after winning all the 3 zones which went for polls in the second phase. In the first phase, Congress emerged winner in 2 zones. Out of the total 9 ZP zones in Jharsuguda, Congress has now won 5.
Also Read: Panchayat polls: BJD claims 96 ZP seats, BJP 64 in first phase
The ruling BJD was able to claim the ZP in Boudh district after winning in 2 zones out of three in the second phase of polling by taking its tally to 5 zones out of total 9 in the district.
BJD made a clean sweep in Balasore by claiming all the 8 ZP zones where polls were conducted in the second phase.
Elsewhere, in Bolangir, out of the 7 ZP zones where polls were conducted today, BJP emerged winner in 4 while 2 zones went to BJD. Congress is yet to open its account in the district after 2 phases of polling.
In Malkangiri, out of the 3 zones, BJP won 2 while Congress claimed 1. In Sonepur, out of the 3 zones, BJD emerged winner in 2 while the other zone went to BJP. In Nayagarh, BJP claimed 3 zones and 1 went to BJD out of the 4 zones where polls were conducted. In Nuapara, out of the 3 zones, BJD won 2 while 1 zone went to Congress’ account. In Khurda district, BJD claimed 5 out of 6 ZP zones while BJP won 1 zone. In Mayurbhanj, out to the 12 zones where polls were conducted, 10 went to BJP while 1 each was claimed by BJD and independent candidate. In Koraput, BJD and Congress claimed 4 and 2 zones respectively out of the total 6 zones.
According to a release issued by the SEC this evening, repolling in 62 wards would be conducted in Balasore, Bhadrak, Boudh, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Koraput, Nuapada, Puri and Sundargarh districts between February 18 and 21.
Also Read: Repoll likely in 44 booths due to poll-related violence
Repolling in 36 wards in Balasore (2), Cuttack (16), Dhenkanal (1), Jajpur (5), Kendrapada (11) and Nuapada (1) districts would be conducted on February 18, while repolling will be held in 4 wards in Kantamal block in Boudh district on February 19. On February 20, repolling will be held in 13 wards in Puri district and one ward in Lathikata block in Sundargarh district while four wards each in Koraput and Bhadrak district would be conducted on February 21, the release added.
In the meanwhile, taking cognizance of the irregularities in the voter list in Balasore district, the SEC today asked the Panchayati Raj department to place Balasore Sadar BDO Mamata Nayak under suspension and relieve her from election duty with immediate effect
The Commission has also asked the department to assign poll duty to another officer in place of Nayak.
Even though the BJD has emerged as winner in the first phase, BJP’s surge has made many to sit up and take notice.
After claiming 151 zones in the first phase of the previous election in 2012, the ruling party’s performance has left enough leeway for speculations over fading dominance of BJD and its internal affairs.
BJD supremo and CM Naveen Patnaik’ s noticeable lack of participation in the campaigning, discord within the party and mismanagement of the elections are said to be the reasons behind its sub-standard results so far.
Many observers opine that lack of disciplinary action by the party in controversial matters including the Mayor, ministers and leaders has cost the ruling party dear.
While many argue that the election is no longer a triangular fight as the Congress is fading into oblivion.
“BJP has seen some success in the first phase owing to Congress’ bad performance. There are four more phases left and the first phase is not the decider. As far as our party’s performances in some pockets are concerned, we will analyze them after the elections,” said BJD spokesperson Sashibhushan Behera.
“Let’s analyse the results after the election concludes. There have been certain aberrations based on local issues and they won’t pose any threat in the coming phases,” said BJD MP, Kalikesh Narayan Singhdeo.
“There is a sense of complacency among party workers that BJD will win, which is why proper networking has not been done. Moreover, a lot of Congress leaders have joined hands with BJP,” said minister Debi Prasad Mishra.
Also Read: Panchayat polls: BJP makes inroads into BJD bastion
BJP has been able to make inroads into BJD-dominated pockets sending warning signals to many heavyweights like minister Pushpendra Singhdeo, Jogendra Behera, Snehangini Chhuria, Debi Prasad Mishra, Sudam Marandi, Ashok Panda, deputy speaker Sanand Marandi, MLAs Mahesh Sahoo and Sanjib Sahoo.
It is learnt from reliable sources that party chief Naveen Patnaik has hold discussions with his ministers and MLAs over phone and has asked them for improved performance of the party in the coming phases.
The saffron party demanded that the SEC should control the role of bureaucracy in elections by exercising its constitutional powers.
Also Read: Panchayat polls: BJD claims 96 ZP seats, BJP 64 in first phase
“We have requested the Commission to use its constitutional powers and exercise control over the government officials who are involved in election management and direct them to act accordingly to ensure free, fair and impartial elections in the State,” said Odisha BJP vice president, Sameer Mohanty.
Talking to newsmen, SEC Secretary Rabindra Nath Sahu stated, “As per preliminary reports received from Collectors, repoll is likely to conducted at 15 booths in Cuttack district, 13 in Puri, 11 in Kendrapara and five in Jajpur.”
He added though no date for the repoll has been finalised yet, the fresh election will be completed within February 21.
Sahu further mentioned cases of the poll violence including ballot box loot have occurred at many places after the counting.
Also read: First phase of rural polls ends amid violence
Sahu said taking note of the attack on the polling party by some miscreants on its return from the polling booth in Kendrapara district yesterday, Sahu said the polling officials have been asked to stay in the booth after the polling if there is no adequate security cover.
"The Commission has instructed the Collectors and SPs to provide adequate security to polling parties during their return. Police escort including armed guards will accompany polling parties. The Sector Magistrate will apprise the police in this regard," Sahu added.
Besides, polling parties are asked to return in groups, he said.
Pradhan said that it a victory of the people of Odisha, a fruit of long oppression is being seen as Odisha is moving towards a new direction. However he alleged, “The District Collectors and SPs in the State are acting as General Secretaries of ruling party, the results have been manipulated in some places illegally.”
Talking about poll violence Pradhan said that the State Government has got into a tizzy after knowing the results. Violence has been seen in Nabarangpur, Mayurbhanj, Cuttack and Kendrapara. “The ruling party has become a murderer,” he added.
Pradhan appealed the poll commission to ensure fairness in ensuing elections. He said, “The State Election Commission should instruct the Chief Secretary and DGP to ensure fair elections and they are bound to comply to the order of the SEC as per the constitution.”
Countering the statements of Pradhan, BJD spokesperson Shashi Bhusan Behera said, “While giving such statements the leaders of BJP, may it be the Union Minister or any other leader, should ask themselves that how far are they giving responsible statements.”
Behera said that Congress would also have started personal review after the BJP fetched away its votes. As the BJP and Congress come together to target the BJD, their followers have supported the party that has gained some recognition, there is nothing new in it. He added, “If the BJP enjoys it let it enjoy, but it will not affect the BJD, the BJD was number one, will remain number one, you will see after the getting the results of the rest four phases.”
There was a competition between BJP and Congress to stay at second or third position and BJP won to gain the second position, said Behera.
Further Behera said the allegations of Pradhan portrays about his irresponsibility, “If he has any evidence about any poll related discrepancy than he should present it before the Election Commission.”
Informing this to the media here, State Election Commission (SEC) secretary Rabindranath Sahu said campaigning for the second phase Panchayat Polls has ended at 7 PM today.
“Elections will be held in 174 Zilla Parishad zones in 65 blocks in 29 districts in which 53,62,814 voters would exercise their franchise. Elections would be held for 1386 Panchayat Samiti members and 18,561 Ward Members,” Sahu added.
He, however, said there will be no election in Deogarh district in the second phase. “Besides, there would be no election in one Zilla Parishad zone in Polasara block in Ganjam district as the BJD candidate has won the election uncontested,” he pointed out.
“Elaborate arrangements were made for 58,28446 voters to exercise franchise for 189 Zilla Parishad zones,1506 gram panchayats and 20369 wards under 65 blocks in 29 district during the first phase of the three-tier panchayat elections today. Barring some stray incidents of violence, polling passed peacefully with 71% turnout”, State Election Commission (SEC) RN Senapati said.
Sonepur district recorded highest 84.3% polling while Bolangir witnessed lowest turnout of 60%, the SEC added.
“Incidents of violence and looting ballot box were reported at some places following which polls have not been carried out. The Collectors of the concerned districts have been asked for report. We will take decision on conducting re-poll at these places after examining the reports of the district administration”, he pointed out.
Polling completed at 12 noon and the counting began at 1 pm. Fate of 716 candidates contesting from 189 Zilla Parishad zones are sealed in the ballot boxes. Similarly, Sarpanch and Samiti member candidates of 1,506 panchayats and 20,369 Ward member candidates are eagerly waiting for the results.
Even though elaborate security arrangements were made to ensure a smooth conduct of elections, violence is reported from some places including Khurdha, Kendrapara, Boudh and Puri districts.
Around 1.10 lakh police personnel and government officials were deployed to avoid any possible eventuality.
Talking to newsmen, Sahu mentioned, “At some places, voters have boycotted the rural polls. Villagers did not allow poll officials to reach some polling booths in Anandpur thereby affecting the panchayat election process. Further steps will be taken after getting a report from the poll officials.”
Commenting on the Maoist violence in Bolangir in which three tractors and a JCB were torched at Kuliamunda under Khaprakhol block, Sahu said, “The vehicle torching case has nothing to do with the rural polls.”
Earlier, the SEC secretary had stated 35-40% polling has been recorded till 10 am.
Informing the media here this afternoon, SEC secretary Rabindranath Sahu said “Out of the 189 Zilla Parishad Zones in the Odisha Gram Panchayat elections, election for Zilla Parishad member will not be held in one Komana-II region. As many as 716 candidates will contest for the remaining 188 posts tomorrow.
Apart from this elaborate security arrangements have been made to ensure free and fair polls in the Maoist affected districts
“The State Police forces including SOG and DVF jawans have been deployed in some polling areas to carry out sanitisation and intelligent based operations,” said Rahul PR, SDPO Malkangiri.
Similar arrangements have also been made in Koraput district. “The BSF personnel have intensified patrolling in nearby areas. Each block has been divided into two sectors. Small troops will be deployed under one Inspector for area patrolling and also handling hostage situations,” said VR Rao , Additional SP, Koraput.
Nuapada Collector Mohd Siddique Alam, said, “The security deployment has been done according to the sensitivity of the polling stations. CCTV cameras have been installed in the hyper sensitive polling stations and in worst cases, some adequate forces will be deployed as well.”
“Special police forces will be deployed in the Interstate border areas to check all the vehicles entering and exiting the state at the border check posts. Forces will also be assigned to carry out patrolling and nakabandi in the non-election zones to provide information of each block,” said Ganjam SP, Asish Singh.
Bhubaneswar: The State Election Commission (SEC) today said all arrangements have been made for the first phase polling of the three-tier panchayat elections in Odisha, scheduled to begin at 7 am tomorrow in 29 districts except Deogarh.
Talking to the media persons here this afternoon, SEC secretary Rabindranath Sahu said polling will be held in 188 Zilla Parishad seats spread over 65 blocks where 716 candidates of different political parties are contesting. The polling at Komna ZP-II zone has been suspended at the last minute," SEC Secretary Rabindranath Sahoo said, adding that all the district collectors and SPs have been told to ensure free and fair polling in all the places.
Polling will begin at 7 am and continue till 12 in the noon, Sahu added.
A total of 58,28,446 voters will exercise their franchise. Polling will be conducted above 20,000 booths. The elections would be held in 1506 Gram Panchayats.
The Commission has also directed the District Collectors to make necessary arrangements for installation of CCTV cameras and conduct videography in hyper-sensitive and sensitive booths, if required.
Sahu said the polling parties have already reached polling booths.
Bhubaneswar: With the first phase Panchayat elections in Odisha scheduled to kick off tomorrow morning, the State Election Commission (SEC) today briefed voting method to the new voters and those who have not fully understood the method of exercising their franchise.
Talking to media persons here, SEC secretary Rabindranath Sahu said unlike the voting which is usually conducted through Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) in General and Assembly elections, polling would be conducted through the ballot box in the Panchayat polls.
“People coming to the polling booth to exercise their franchise must have any one of the 23 proofs like the voter card, voter ID, Aadhaar Card and driving license etc which they will have to show to the First Polling Officer for verification. After the verification, they will collect the folded ballot paper from the Second Polling Officer who will put indelible ink on their forefinger,” Sahu said.
He also informed that there are different colours of ballot papers for different posts. “The blue ballot paper is for the Ward Member, yellow ballot paper for Sarpanch and violet ballot paper for Samiti Member. Except poll symbols, there would be no mention of the name of the candidates in the ballot paper. However, for the Zilla Parishad, there will be white ballot paper with the name of the candidates and their party symbols with the Sarpanch, Ward Member, Samiti Member and Zilla Parishad Member mentioned serially. The voters have to give their signature or fingerprint on the ballot paper and put the ballot paper inside the ballot box after putting a stamp on a blank box to the right of the name of the candidate they have preferred to vote,” the SEC secretary pointed out.
According to Parthasarathi Rath, Presiding Officer, no one will be allowed to enter into the polling booth after the polling is completed at 12 PM. But those who are in the queue before 12 PM will be allowed to vote. After the polling is over, the counting of votes would begin at 1 PM in presence of the agents of different political parties. After the counting is completed, a list mentioning the number of votes of the candidates, will be handed over to the Section Officer.
The official announcement of the names of the winning Ward Members and Sarpanches will be made on February 23 and Zilla Parishad members and Panchayat Samiti members on February 25.
Talking to media persons here, BJP State vice president Samir Mohanty claimed that he has come to know about such irregularities during his recent tour to Balasore district.
“I have arrived here today after having a three-day tour to Balasore district. During my tour, I have come to know that the senior district officials like the Collector, BDOs and Tehsildars in connivance with the ruling party, have been frequently changing the voter list at the instance of the ‘Third Floor’. The Collector and the BDO have changed the voter list Olandasara village by adding 421 additional voters after November 25 last year,” Mohanty said.
He also said that in gross violation of the directive of the State Election Commission (SEC), the BDOs are providing work orders of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana in several blocks in the district.
Reacting to the statement of the BJP leader, BJD spokesperson Sashibhusan Behera said the saffron party should restrain itself from frequently pointing its fingers at the “Third Floor” (chief minister) as by doing this, it will lose trust of the people. “If there is any such mistake done by the administration, the SEC will take action accordingly,” he observed.
Asked about the allegations by the BJP in this matter, SEC secretary Rabindranath Sahu said the Commission has taken note of the allegations. “The Commission will ask the Balasore collector to submit a report on the matter and it will take appropriate action on the basis of the report,” he added.
He said there has been no change in the voter list of Olandasara village after November 26, 2016. “Apart from correction of name and address of the voters, there has been no addition or deletion of name of any voter from the voter list,” he pointed out.
While Patnaik campaigned for BJD candidates in his home constituency of Hinjilicut in Ganjam district in South Odisha, Raman Singh addressed at least two public meetings in Sundargarh district in Western Odisha.
Former Jharkhand Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Arjun Munda campaigned in Mayurbhanj district while Union Minister Ram Kripal Yadav addressed some election meetings for BJP candidates in Bhadrak district.
"I am sure the BJD candidates will do well in the panchayat elections," Patnaik said after attending at least 33 road shows in his home turf.
Raman Singh wooed voters by informing the people that they too can have a better life like the residents of Chhattisgarh if they vote for the BJP candidates.
Also Read: Poll panel exempts forest personnel from election duty
Meanwhile, the State Election Commission (SEC) today announced that arrangements have been made for the first phase Panchayat polls in Odisha scheduled to begin at 7 am on February 13.
"Elections will be held in 189 Zilla Parishad Zones in 29 districts in which a total of 58,28,446 voters will exercise their franchise. Polling will be conducted in 20,369 booths. The elections would be held in 1506 Gram Panchayats," SEC secretary Rabindranath Sahu told reporters here.
The Commission has also directed the District Collectors to make necessary arrangements for installation of CCTV cameras and videography in hyper-sensitive and sensitive booths, if required.
Sahu said the polling parties would reach their allotted polling booths by tomorrow afternoon.
"Leaders, who are not the voters and presently staying in the area where the elections would be held on February 13, will have to leave the area by this evening," he added.
The elections will be held in five phases on February 13, 15, 17, 19 and 21. Polling on each of these five days will start at 7 am and go on till 12 noon.
“Elections will be held in 189 Zilla Parishad Zones in 29 districts in which a total of 58,28,446 voters will exercise their franchise for which arrangements have been made for polling in 20,369 booths. The elections would be held in 1506 Gram Panchayats,” SEC secretary Rabindranath Sahu told media persons here.
He further said the Commission has directed the district collectors to make necessary arrangements for installation of CCTV cameras and videography in the sensitive booths, if required.
Polling would begin at 7 AM.
Sahu said as announced by the Commission in its earlier notification, campaigning for the first phase elections will come to an end by this evening while the polling parties would reach their allotted polling booths by afternoon tomorrow.
“Besides, the leaders, who are not the voters and presently staying in the area where the elections would be held on February 13, will have to leave the area by this evening,” he added.
The Panchayat elections will be held for the posts of 853 Zilla Parishad members, 6,802 Sarpanches, 6,801 Panchayat Samiti members and 92,052 ward members, in which 2,60,92,507 voters will exercise their franchise.
As informed by the SEC RN Senapati, elections will be held in five phases on February 13, 15, 17, 19 and 21. Polling on each of these five days will start at 7 am and go on till 12 noon.
The Commission, after receiving a report from the district collector and SP, has directed them to conduct a thorough and impartial probe and take appropriate action considering it as a poll related crime if they find conclusive evidence that the seized cash was meant to be distributed among the voters to influence them.
Also Read: Rs 12.30 lakh seized from political party worker
Notably, police had seized a cash of Rs 88,710, documents and posters relating to panchayat election, from the possession of Goutam Pradhan which was kept inside a vehicle (OD-23-C-6584) near Punjipathar under Lakhanpur block on National Highway-49 on February 8. Prior to this, Rengali Police had seized cash worth Rs 12.30 lakh from the possession of Debaraj Barik (38) and Babaji Barik (28) and seized a Mahindra XUV (OD-15-D-2525) used by them. There were allegations against the duo that they were carrying the cash for distribution among the voters in Pithinda Gram Panchayat.
In Kandhamal district, maximum 1,076 booths are identified as hyper-sensitive, while Cuttack district has the most number of sensitive booths with 1,841.
According to sources, close circuit television cameras (CCTV) and videography provisions have been made for these sensitive and hyper-sensitive booths.
Also Read: Govt officials in poll campaigning: SEC action against 40
As per the SEC, fund provisions are made for CCTV and videography and all the district collectors have been directed regarding the same.
“For the hyper-sensitive booths security will be beefed up and at least one ASI or above-rank officer will be present. Even in sensitive booths, the scale of security will be heightened. We have also classified polling stations with higher cluster of booths as sensitive and hyper sensitive. The above classification has been made on the information from the police department, collector and taking into account the poll history. These classifications are subject to change in future,” said SEC secretary, Rabindranath Sahoo.
Talking to the media, Jharsuguda SP Uma Shankar Das said the police, acting on the allegation, raided the house of Debaraj Barik, worker of a political party in Kandheikela village today and seized hard cash of Rs 12.30 lakh.
“As Barik could not give satisfactory reply on the cash he had kept in his house and for what purpose he had kept the cash with him, police are investigating into the case,” the SP added.
Asked about the incident, secretary of State Election Commission (SEC) Rabindranath Sahu said the Commission has earlier received a report from Jharsuguda district and will receive another report from the district tonight.
“The Commission has sent such allegations to the district collectors and SPs and taken necessary action,” Sahu added.
With the model code of conduct enforced in Odisha for the panchayat polls, SEC has instructed the collectors and SPs to take stern action against anyone involved in distribution of cash among the voters during the election.
In one such instance, the Pattamundai BDO was transferred for not being impartial while carrying out his duties. For violation of model code of conduct, the Nayagarh Odapara BDO was also transferred. In another case, the Astarang BDO was seen with a sarpanch candidate during night following which objections were raised by locals. The SEC has received complaints and taken action against teachers and various block officials involved in campaigning for candidates.
Also Read: Parties take advantage of chink in poll expenditure norms
Though the Chief Secretary of Odisha had directed the government officials to stay away from campaigning, there have been umpteen instances where officials are found to be violating the directions.
“Despite clear instructions from the chief secretary, it is observed that some officials are getting themselves involved in poll campaigning. Strict action will be taken against errant officials by the district collectors and SPs. We have suspended a lot of people in the meantime and action is being taken,” said SEC secretary, Rabindranath Sahoo.
Such violations have been termed as misuse of power by the ruling-BJD alleged opposition parties.
“This is a blatant misuse of the government machinery. The government officials are now involved in violating the law in a bid to appease their employer,” said chief spokesperson of BJP, Sajjan Sharma.
“The officials who were appointed to manage the elections are now getting involved in campaigning and influencing the elections,” said PCC president, Prasad Harichandan.
Countering the allegations BJD spokesperson, Sashibhushan Behera said “How can BJD misuse power? It’s inappropriate to consider as BJD as the government. The government officials are with the BJD government not with the BJD party.”
Though the poll expenditure limits are applicable to the candidates, it is not applicable to star campaigners of various parties. Through this loophole, parties in the State are splurging crores to woo voters leaving the watchdog SEC as a mute spectator.
From February 4, the Odisha BJP’s star campaigners began their campaigning by hopping on to helicopters to hop panchayats. Union minister Jual Oram, BJP legislature party leader KV Singhdeo, actress Pinki Pradhan and actor Sritam Das have taken whirlwind visits to 12 places in 2 days.
On February 7, Union Petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan joined the campaigning spree by visiting various places on helicopter. From tomorrow onwards, another star campaigner of the party, Chhattisgarh CM, Raman Singh will begin his campaigning and will be flying over the Western Odisha.
Similar logistic arrangements have been made for Jharkhand CM Raghubar Das who will also campaign in the State.
As per estimates, the party is spending around Rs 40 lakh every day for such arrangements for their star campaigners and is expected to do so till campaigning ends.
“The party should ask itself about whose money it is using extravagantly for campaigning,” said BJD spokesperson, Sashibhushan Behera.
On the other hand, the Odisha Congress has alleged that both the BJD and BJP are spending a lot of money in campaigning.
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The party alleged that while Odisha CM flew to every district on government money before the model code of conduct came into force, now the star campaigners are undertaking expensive campaigning.
“The way CM Naveen toured across Odisha on government money, similarly now union ministers and BJP leaders are doing the same,” said senior Congress leader, Sarat Rout.
In reply to such allegations, senior BJP leader, Manmohan Samal said “Our party will never cross the line. In a bid to escape, others are raising fingers at our party.”
There are no limits for star campaigners. However, there are restrictions on how many vehicles can be used by candidates and district party presidents. The collectors have been informed about the fact that the expenditures of the star campaigners will be borne by the party accounts,” said SEC secretary, Rabindranath Sahoo.
The Commission has recommended the Home department for a Crime Branch probe into the case on the basis of the report of the Dhenkanal collector Rupa Roshan Sahu, SEC secretary Rabindranath Sahu told the media here today.
The recommendation of the Commission came in response to the demands by the Opposition BJP and Congress demanding a Crime Branch probe into the case.
Talking to the media yesterday, the SEC secretary had said the Commission is aware of all poll related violence and has taken all possible measures in this regard in consultation with the district collector and SP.
“If any such incidents take place in future, the Commission will take steps accordingly on the basis of the recommendation of the collector and SP. If necessary, efforts would be taken to resolve the issue with the help of the top police officials, Sahu added.
Protesting the murder of its party member, the BJP today staged demonstration in all district sub divisional headquarters today demanding immediate arrest of Kamakhyanagar BJD MLA and minister Prafulla Mallick for his complicity in the murder of the 23-year-old youth.
In Balasore, the saffron party leaders and workers burnt the effigy of chief minister Naveen Patnaik and demanded ouster of minister Prafulla Mallick from his post and his immediate arrest.