52.91% of eligible voters in Odisha had cast their votes by 3pm.

It was a busy day in Odisha on Monday as voters came out in droves to exercise their democratic right. Officials reported that over 62.87 lakh voters had the opportunity to cast their ballots in four Lok Sabha and 28 Assembly constituencies. The voting process began at 7am and continued until 3pm, with a total of 7,303 polling stations set up in the Berhampur, Koraput, Nabarangpur, and Kalahandi regions.

It was a unique situation as both Lok Sabha and Assembly elections were being held simultaneously in Odisha. By 3pm, approximately 52.91 per cent of registered voters had cast their votes, with the highest turnout recorded in the tribal-dominated Kalahandi Lok Sabha seat at 58 per cent. Nabarangpur followed closely with 55.69 per cent, while Koraput and Berhampur also had respectable numbers.

Police reported no major incidents at any of the polling stations, ensuring a safe and peaceful voting process. Chief Electoral Officer NK Dhal shared that there were some technical issues with the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in a few locations, but they were promptly resolved within 30 minutes. In fact, 65 Ballot Units, 83 Control Units, and 110 Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines were replaced during the mock poll exercise before the actual voting began at 7am.

Dhal also commented on the enthusiasm among the voters, especially in the Swabhiman Anchal (formerly known as the cut-off area), which was once a Maoist stronghold in Malkangiri district. He said that the people of Kotia were participating in the polls with great enthusiasm. The model booths, women booths, and booths for persons with disabilities (PWD) were also operating smoothly, according to the CEO.

However, there were reports of poll boycotts in some areas due to local issues. Dhal appealed to the people to still exercise their right to vote, emphasizing the importance of participating in the democratic process. Several prominent leaders, including Congress candidate Saptagiri Ulaka from Koraput Lok Sabha seat, BJP candidate Pradeep Panigrahy from Berhampur Lok Sabha seat, and BJD candidate Pradeep Majhi from Nabarangpur Lok Sabha seat, cast their votes early in the day.

In Ganjam district, there was a clash between rival groups during polling in the Chikiti Assembly segment, resulting in two people getting injured. The Election Commission has taken strict action in response, suspending two polling officials for dereliction of duty. The CEO announced that one polling official from Narla Assembly constituency in Kalahandi district and another from Chikiti Assembly segment in Ganjam district had been suspended.

Overall, the day went smoothly with a high turnout of voters and minimal disruptions. The people of Odisha showed great enthusiasm and responsibility as they exercised their right to vote in both the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.

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