May 13th 2024.
The first phase of Lok Sabha and assembly elections in Odisha on Monday was quite peaceful, with only a few scattered incidents of violence, according to officials. A total of 280 candidates were vying for victory in four Lok Sabha seats and 28 assembly segments, with the fate of their campaigns resting in the hands of the voters who turned out in large numbers to cast their votes using the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
Overall, the day went smoothly, with only a few minor incidents reported in Ganjam and Nabarangpur districts. In fact, the only significant disruption occurred in Chikiti assembly segment, where a clash between rival groups left two individuals injured. There were also reports of an attack on BJP candidate Narasingha Bhadra in the Dabugam assembly segment by members of a rival political party.
Voting began at 7 am in 7,303 polling stations across Berhampur, Koraput, Nabarangpur, and Kalahandi parliamentary constituencies. These areas also encompassed 28 assembly segments, all of which were holding simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections. The voter turnout was impressive, with 64.81 percent of registered voters showing up to make their voices heard.
The highest percentage of voter turnout was recorded in the tribal-dominated Nabarangpur Lok Sabha seat, with an impressive 68.74 percent of registered voters participating. Kalahandi, Koraput, and Berhampur also had strong showings, with turnout percentages of 66.85, 66.42, and 64.81, respectively. For the assembly segments, Dabugam had the highest voter turnout at 71.30 percent, while Chhatrapur Vidhan Sabha saw the lowest at 47.90 percent. However, officials noted that the final voter turnout could potentially increase as some polling stations remained open beyond the designated closing time of 6 pm.
Fortunately, there were no major law and order issues reported during the elections, even in areas that have been affected by Left Wing Extremism, such as Swabhiman Anchal in Malkangiri district and Sunabeda sanctuary area in Nuapada district. To ensure a smooth and secure voting process in these areas, election officials had air-dropped polling personnel and equipment in Nuapada. Despite a few technical glitches with the EVMs in various locations, officials were able to replace them within 30 minutes to minimize any disruptions.
One notable highlight of the day was the enthusiastic participation of the people of Kotia, a region bordering Andhra Pradesh. According to Chief Electoral Officer Nikunja Bhiari Dhal, the people of Kotia came out in large numbers to cast their votes in the Koraput Lok Sabha seat.
However, there were a few reports of poll boycotts in certain areas due to local issues. To address these issues, the Election Commission has directed the Ganjam collector to take action against presiding officers who neglected their duties, including suspending three of them and arresting two others. Despite these minor hiccups, both the ruling BJD and the opposition BJP expressed confidence in their performance in the first phase of the elections. BJD leader Amar Patnaik boldly claimed that they will win all four Lok Sabha seats and 90 percent of the 28 assembly segments, while BJP Odisha unit president Manmohan Samal also stated that their party candidates will surprise everyone with their success in the first phase.
Currently, the BJD holds two of the four Lok Sabha seats (Berhampur and Nabarangpur), while the BJP and Congress hold the remaining two (Kalahandi and Koraput, respectively). In the 2019 elections, the BJD had secured 20 of the 28 assembly segments, with the BJP and Congress winning seven and one seat, respectively. With a total of 17,000 security personnel, including 104 companies of central forces, deployed for the elections, the safety and security of voters and polling stations were given top priority.
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