Rajendra Prasad Mohapatra

Voting through postal ballot for the ensuing bypoll to the Pipili Assembly constituency has commenced in the segment from today.

Senior citizens above the age of 80 years, persons with disabilities (PwD) and Covid suspected/positive patients across the constituency, can cast their votes through postal ballots in the next five days of the poll process starting today. 

As per Election Commission norms, presiding officers accompanied by micro observers will collect votes from the eligible voters by visiting their houses.

“As many as seven polling parties including micro observers will visit the voters and collect votes cast through postal ballots,” said Puri Collector Samarth Verma.

“The team will be accompanied by security personnel and videography teams. The entire process will be completed within next three-four days,” said Verma.

Meanwhile, political arena in Pipili has warmed up with high-voltage campaign by three major political parties—BJD, BJP and the Congress. 

Notably, the by-election to the Pipili assembly constituency was necessitated following the death of sitting MLA Pradeep Maharathy in October last year. Altogether 10 candidates are in the fray for the September 30 by-election for which the counting of votes will take place on October 3.

Initially, the by-election was scheduled to be held on April 17. However, the by-poll was postponed following the death of Congress candidate Ajit Mangaraj due to Covid-19, just three days ahead of the polls on April 14, 2021.

(Edited by Suryakant Jena)

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