Is Voting Taking Place for Nuapada Assembly Bypoll?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Voting in Nuapada Assembly bypoll is ongoing with strict security.
- Over 2.53 lakh voters are expected to participate.
- The election is crucial to determine the fate of 14 candidates.
- Measures have been taken to ensure free and fair voting.
- Polling will continue until 5 p.m., except in sensitive areas.
Bhubaneswar, Nov 11 (NationPress) The electoral process for the Nuapada Assembly constituency is currently in progress at 358 polling booths, which include 47 sensitive booths, throughout the district under strict security measures.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) reports a 14.99 per cent voter turnout recorded by 9 a.m.
Previously, mock polls were successfully conducted at all 358 polling stations within the Nuapada Assembly Constituency.
In response to minor technical issues identified during the mock polling, authorities promptly replaced three Ballot Units (BUs) and three Control Units (CUs).
Additionally, an EVM-related issue reported at a booth in Mongarapali under the Khariar Road segment was swiftly addressed by election officials.
Voting is proceeding without any disturbances thus far, continuing until 5 p.m. at all booths, with the exception of the 47 sensitive and eight highly sensitive booths located in Maoist-affected areas, where voting will conclude at 4 p.m.
The Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Odisha, has confirmed that the polling process is being diligently monitored from the State Headquarters to guarantee a free, fair, and transparent bye-election in Nuapada.
Moreover, the CEO has suspended a presiding officer stationed at the polling site Kuliabandha in Nuapada district for violating voting secrecy protocols.
Over 2.53 lakh voters in the Nuapada Assembly constituency are expected to cast their votes to determine the fate of 14 candidates competing in the election.
The candidate list features representatives from major parties, including the BJP’s Jay Dholakia, opposition BJD candidate Snehangini Chhuria, and Congress candidate Ghasiram Majhi.
For ensuring the smooth execution of the election, a total of 14 companies of Central Armed Police Forces, five platoons of Odisha State Armed Police, and reserve police forces, along with 35 mobile patrolling parties, 18 flying squads, and 18 Static Surveillance Teams, together with district police officers and personnel, will be deployed in Nuapada for the bypoll.
This bye-election was necessitated by the passing of four-time MLA and senior BJD leader Rajendra Dholakia in September.