Bhubaneswar: Over 23.28 per cent polling was recorded till 11 am in the first phase of elections being held in Odisha on Monday.
Voting is underway in four Lok Sabha and 28 Assembly constituencies in the state in the first phase of elections.
Chief Electoral Officer Nikunja Bihari Dhal told reporters in Bhubaneswar that polling is in progress in a smooth and peaceful manner, barring some minor skirmishes in Ganjam.
An estimated 23.28 per cent of the electorate exercised their franchise by 11 am, he said. On voting percentage in Lok Sabha seats, he said the voter turnout stood at 25.3 per cent in Kalahandi, while it was 24.3 per cent in Nabarangpur, 24.43 per cent in Koraput and 18.99 per cent in Berhampur.
While Nuapada recorded voter turnout of 27.88%, Rayagada registered around 21%. The voting at Mohana and Nabarangpur was 21.47% and 21.50% respectively. Similarly, Narla, Paralakhemundi, Pottangi, and Umerkote recorded 26.46%, 22.64%, 24.81%, and 26.20% respectively.
The CEO said two polling officials have been placed under suspension in Kalahandi and Ganjam districts for dereliction of duty.
Stating that the authorities are keeping a close watch on the polling process, he said barring some minor skirmished at Chikiti in Ganjam district, voting has been by and large peaceful. The situation was immediately brought under control in Chikiti as poll authorities and police swung into action to prevent any further flare up.
Fate of 37 candidates, including seven women, will be sealed for the four Lok Sabha seats. For the 28 assembly seats, 243 candidates, including 29 women, are in the fray.
