The campaigning for the fifth phase of elections in Odisha concluded today, setting the stage for the polls scheduled this Sunday. This phase is critical as it involves five Lok Sabha seats—Bargarh, Sundergarh, Balangir, Kandhamal, and Aska—and 35 Assembly constituencies under their jurisdiction. The outcome of this phase will be pivotal in shaping the political landscape of the state.
With just a day left for the elections, polling personnel have already started their journey towards the 9,162 polling booths scattered across these constituencies. The Election Commission has revealed that a total of 79,78,992 voters, comprising 40,33,992 males and 39,45,000 females, are eligible to cast their votes in this phase. Ensuring the safety and security of these voters, 102 companies of police personnel have been deployed. Additionally, 20 percent of the booths have been identified as sensitive, requiring heightened security measures. Notably, 200 polling booths will be managed exclusively by women polling personnel, a step aimed at promoting gender inclusivity in the electoral process.
This phase features a mix of seasoned politicians and prominent personalities. Among the 40 candidates vying for the five Lok Sabha seats, and 265 nominees competing for the 35 Assembly constituencies, are several high-profile figures. Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) supremo Naveen Patnaik, senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and former Union Ministers Jual Oram and Dilip Ray, Sangeeta Kumar Singh Deo, and former Indian Hockey captain Dilip Tirkey are some of the notable candidates whose political fate will be decided in this phase.
As the curtain fell on the campaigning period, candidates across parties left no stone unturned to woo voters. The last day of campaigning saw a flurry of activities, with candidates making their final appeals to the electorate through rallies, roadshows, and door-to-door campaigns. The fervor and intensity of the campaigns reflected the high stakes involved in this phase of the elections.
With the conclusion of the campaigning, all eyes are now on the polling day. The successful conduct of the elections, particularly in the sensitive booths, and the eventual voter turnout will be crucial indicators of the public sentiment and political trends in Odisha. The results from these constituencies will play a significant role in determining the future political direction of the state, making this phase a decisive one in the ongoing electoral battle.
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