Bhubaneswar: The byelections to Balasore Sadar and Tirtol Assembly constituencies witnessed a high and almost same voter turnout despite COVID-19 pandemic on Tuesday.
Chief Electoral Officer Sushil Kumar Lohani told media persons here that in the elections held on the day, 70 per cent of voters exercised franchise in Balasore Sadar constituency and 69.9 per cent in Tirtol by 6 pm. However, the final turnout is likely to increase further as the turnout figure from 30 booths in Balasore and and 120 booths in Tirtol was yet to be received.
Director General of Police Abhay in a tweet said the bypolls were peaceful and thanked the people and police for it.
The by-polls to both the seats were necessitated due to the death of sitting BJP MLA from Balasore Madan Mohan Dutta and Tirtol BJD legislator Bishnu Das. The counting of votes is scheduled to be held on November 10.