Bhubaneswar, Feb 15: Today in various places at 175 ZPs in Odisha’s 29 districts, the second phase panchayat polls witnessed poll boycott.
In Bhadrak and Jharsuguda, villagers of Kumarkhani under Rambhila panchayat and Katikela panchaya respectively boycotted the polling alleging lack of basic amenities. In Sambalpur, residents of Charpali under Dhama panchayat boycotted the elections alleging various problems. Krushnapur villagers under Bhuban block in Dhenkanal, who have been demanding inclusion of their village in newly created panchayat, also decided not to take part in the polls. Also, elections were not comducted at 24 wards in eight villages of Gopalpur panchayat under Ranpur block of Nayagarh due to failure of the demand to establish a hospital in Gopalpur or nearby locality.
The second phase of Panchayat polls began today morning at 7am and continued till 12pm at noon in 175 Zilla Parishads under 65 blocks of 29 districts of Odisha excepting in Deogarh. Also elections were not conducted in Polsara block of Ganjam as a Zilla Parishad member was declared elected uncontested. Around 53.62 lakh voters are exercising franchise at 18581 wards under 1386 gram panchayats. The counting of votes began at 1pm today.
Elaborate Arrangements had been made for the smooth conduct of the elections. CCTV cameras had been installed in sensitive areas and the whole process was captured through videography. Also two polling officers, one presiding officer and two security personnels were appointed at each booth. Additionally, special security was deployed in the Maoist prone areas at Nuapada, Malkangiri, Koraput and Gajapati. Security was inspected through helicopter in Rayagada as the second phase polls began here today and security was tightened in Muniguda and Bisam Katak for elections to 4 Zilla Parishad zones.
