Odisha Panchayat Polls Phase 2: Over 62L Voters To Exercise Franchise Tomorrow

The second phase of the three-tier Panchayat elections in Odisha will be held tomorrow (February 18). People in 68 blocks across 30 districts of the State will exercise their franchise, sealing the fate of 747 candidates in ballot boxes.

Over 62 lakh voters will cast their votes to elect Sarpanchs, Samiti members and Ward members in 1514 Panchayats under 186 Zilla Parishad zones. Polling for the second phase of the rural elections will take place at 20,436 booths.

The State Police has made adequate security arrangements for free and fair elections. As many as 240 platoons force, 1753 mobile patrolling parties have been deployed for the smooth conduct of the second phase of elections.

The election will be conducted with strict enforcement of State Election Commission guidelines and Covid protocols, said the State Police.

Police have arrested 16 persons in Puri district, 14 in Jaipur and 6 in Dhenkanal district in connection with the poll disruption incidents during the first phase elections on February 16. 

Besides, police have reportedly seized 387177 litres of liquor, 38 illegal arms, 2216.56 gms of narcotic drugs, and registered 4966 excise cases and executed 1903 pending warrants during the election process so far.

Meanwhile, the disputed Kotia Panchayat will also go to the poll on Friday. A total of 5790 voters from Madkar, Phagunsineri, Tadibalsa, Uppar Sembi, Tala Sembi and Ganjeipadar villagers will exercise their franchise to elect their representatives.

While voting will take place in 13 booths, polling parties have reportedly reached the booths from Potangi. Both the district administration and police are well prepared to thwart any disturbance during polling by neighbouring Andhra Pradesh administration.