Odisha Panchayat Election: Restriction On Outsiders & Political Leaders In Poll-Bound Areas

Bhubaneswar: State Election Commissioner Aditya Prasad Padhee on Saturday discussed preparedness for the ensuing Panchayat polls with district collectors.

In the virtual meeting, the SEC was also informed about the preparation of electoral roll for the urban local body (ULB) elections.

Briefing mediapersons, Padhi said as per the new circular issued for the panchayat elections, no outsider or political leader will be allowed to be present in poll-bound areas after campaigning. All outsiders will have to vacate poll-bound areas by February 14 evening, Padhi said.

The first phase polling will be held on February 16 for 200 Zilla Parishad, 1,669 Sarpanch, 1,669 Samiti member and 22,379 Ward Member posts in 71 blocks of 30 districts. A total of 67.51 lakh people will exercise their franchise, the SEC informed.

The Commission has identified the sensitive booths and extra police personnel will be deployed to ensure a smooth election.

“Videography will be done in sensitive polling booths. CCTVs will be installed in strong rooms and during counting of votes,” he said.