Patkura Assembly Election Date Announced

Bhubaneswar: The Election Commission of India (ECI) today announced the election date to Patkura Assembly election under Kendrapara Parliamentary constituency. Polls to the seat, which was earlier postponed due to the demise of BJD candidate Bed Prakash Agarwalla, is now set to be conducted on July 20, while the counting of votes will be held on July 23, 2019.

In an official release, the Commission said that the after taking into consideration various factors like, festivals, electoral rolls and others, it took the decision to hold the adjourned poll to fill the Patkura seat.

The commission has decided to use EVMs and VVPATs in the election in all the polling stations. Adequate numbers of EVMs and VVPTs have been made available and all steps have been taken to ensure that the polls are conducted smoothly, the commission said.

Meanwhile, the Model code of conduct has come into force with immediate effect in the region. "The Model code of conduct shall be applicable to all candidates, political parties and the State government. The Model code of conduct shall also be applicable to the Union Government," the release read.

"After the Election Commission notification, the model code of conduct has come into force. In view of the monsoon, the EC and the CEO have directed the district administration to ensure that minimum facilities are provided to voters,” said Samarth Verma, Collector, Kendrapara.

Following the demise of Bed Prakash Agarwalla, the BJD had named the senior leader's wife Sabitri Agarwalla as the party candidate and she later filed her nomination on April 30. However, election to the Assembly seat (which was then scheduled to be conducted on May 19) was again postponed due to cyclone Fani.

Sabitri will be contesting against BJP candidate Bijoy Mohapatra and Congress’ Jayant Mohanty.

BJD candidate Sabitri Agarwal said, "I am ready for the poll. I will fulfil the dreams of my husband. This apart, the CM has blessings on me and the people of Patkura."

BJP candidate Bijoy Mohapatra said, "Let ministers and the entire government functionaries visit Patkura and distribute money and ration cards, no one can stop people from upholding their self esteem."

In his reaction, Congress candidate Jayant Mohanty said, "BJD and BJP are working hands in glove. But I am working with people."