With the Omicron variant of the coronavirus spreading its tentacles far and wide, uncertainty over the conduct of the ensuing Panchayat polls in Odisha, scheduled to be held earlier this year, looms large.
Taking the surge in Omicron cases in the State into consideration, Opposition Congress has proposed to postpone the elections, while BJP has put the ball in the Odisha government's court.
"The Covid numbers may peak in February. If the cases soar, the election should be postponed as Covid appropriate behaviour cannot be followed during the casting of votes," said Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee chief Niranjan Patnaik.
"People's safety is our priority. We will accept whatever decision the State government or Election Commission takes," said BJP State General Secretary Prithviraj Harichandan.
Meanwhile, the ruling BJD said people's safety is the first priority, but the election should be held at the right time.
Lenin Mohanty, BJD spokesperson said, "Life and livelihood are our party's priority. Like the first two waves, we are confident to defeat the third wave too."
"The State Election Commission will decide whether to hold election or not. But our party wants the election to be held soon," he added.
Meanwhile, preparations are in full swing ahead of the Panchayat polls. The State Election Commission on Thursday sent electoral forms, inks and other articles to all districts ahead of the polls. Moreover, the Commission has called for an all party meeting on January 10 ahead of the announcement of the election date.