Bhubaneswar: The first phase of the three-tier panchayat elections has begun in Odisha today with strict COVID protocols.
Reportedly, the voting began at 7 am and will continue till 1 pm. The polls will be held in five phases on February 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24.
In the first phase of elections, 200 Zilla Parishad zones in 71 blocks in all the 30 districts, including Hinjlicut, Sheragada, Patnagarh, Mahanga, Junagarh, Aul, Brahmagiri, Jajpur, and Dharmasala, will go to the polls.
More than 67.51 lakh eligible voters will cast their votes for the candidates fighting for the position of Zilla Parishad members, sarpanches, Panchayat Samiti members, and ward members.
The voting will be carried out at 22,379 wards and 1,669 panchayats across the state, added reports. As many as 3,357 have been identified as sensitive in the first phase.
At the time of polling, each voter is required to produce an Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) or any of the 13 other ID proofs approved by the State Election Commission.
Notably, the Covid positive voters will be allowed to cast their votes during the last hour of polling with strict adherence to coronavirus protocols.
Earlier on Tuesday, the State Election Commission had said that all arrangements have been beefed up. SEC Aditya Prasad Padhi emphasized the necessity for voters to wear masks and maintain social distancing at the polling booths.
As many as 235 platoons of security personnel, comprising 37,245 policemen, have reportedly been deployed for the smooth conduct of the elections. Special arrangements have also been made in Malkangiri, Koraput, Kalahandi, Balangir, Rayagada, and Kandhamal districts in light of a boycott call given by Maoists, special security arrangements have been made.
Ms Kalinga