Odisha Panchayat Polls: SEC Discusses COVID Situation & Security Issues With Govt Officials

Bhubaneswar: The State Election Commission on Saturday said it will take the decision on panchayat elections on the basis of inputs provided by the state government at a high-level meeting.

Speaking to media persons after the meeting, State Election Commissioner Aditya Prasad Padhi said the government officials submitted the information regarding prevalent COVID situation in the state.

Besides, discussions were held on maintaining law and order to ensure fair and peaceful panchayat polls. The security of voters, election officials and representatives of political parties were also discussed, Padhi said. “We will make a decision based on the inputs provided by the government,” he added. 

Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Pradeep Jena said they briefed the SEC about present COVID situation in light of conducting panchayat elections. The commission will take the final decision on the polls and announcing the dates, he added.

Besides the SRC, chief secretary, additional chief secretary, Health department and other top officials attended the high-level meeting.