Bhubaneswar, Feb 20: Amidst tight security in 28 districts, the fourth phase Panchayat polls ended almost smoothly. An expected average of 76% voting was recorded across. While the highest voting recorded is 87% at Subarnapur district where as lowest is at Ganjam with 65%. Except Jharsugada and Boudh, the polling was conducted in all the 28 districts for a total of 1324 Panchayat Samiti Members (PSM), 18,876 Ward members and 161 Zilla parishad members.
Elaborate security measures were taken in all sensitive zones and there were adequate deployment of security personnel. Apart from minor disturbances, the fourth phase poll ended peacefully. Though polling could not be held at 4 booths under Begunia block, one in Banspal.
To be noted, earlier, due to lack of some proper management and other security related issues, ballots box were stole at some places and booths were captured at some, and that has led to a re-election in many a places like Bramhagiri block, Bhuban in Dhenkanal, and Ghasipura in Keonjhar.
