Though the campaigning has already intensified in most parts of Odisha for the crucial 2024 elections, three major political parties - BJD, BJP and Congress are yet to announce the names of their candidates in some seats across the State.
While the Opposition BJP has announced the names of its candidates in as many as 140 Assembly seats out of 147 so far, the saffron party is yet to open its cards for seven seats.
Theses seats are Ghasipura, Barabati-Cuttack, Begunia, Bhograi, Nilgiri, Bhandaripokhari and Bari Assembly segments.
Meanwhile, the ruling BJD has already given tickets to candidates in as many as 144 Assembly seats. The ruling party is yet to announce the names of its candidates in three Assembly seats-Khandapada, Nilgiri and Korei.
On the other hand, the Congress has announced the names of its candidates for 137 Assembly seats. However, the grand old party is yet to announce the names of its candidates for eight more seats. The seats are Pallahara, Barabati-Cuttack, Jaleswar, Balasore Sadar, Nilgiri, Barchana, Jagatsighpur and Kakatpur. The party has not also announced its candidates for Cuttack and Mayurbhanj Parliamentary seats as well.
As per political experts, the delay in the announcement of names of candidates for the remaining seats by the major political parties has triggered rumours and speculations while confusing the voters.
As per the announcement of the Election Commission of India (ECI), voting in Odisha will be held in four phases.
Voters in the State will cast their votes on four dates - May 13, May 20, May 25 and June 1. The counting of the votes will take place on June 4.