Bhubaneswar: The voting for the by-poll to Pipili Assembly constituency in Puri district began at 7 am today amid strict security and following the Covid-19 guidelines. The voting process began at 348 booths which have been divided into 4 zones and it is slated to continue till 6 pm. There are 10 candidates are in the fray for by-election.
Reportedly, voters were spotted standing in queues to cast their respective votes. It has been made mandatory to wear masks, maintain social distancing and usage of sanitizer for the voters and the polling officials. Besides, Covid appropriate behaviours is being ensured in all the polling booths.
As many as 2, 29,998 voters will cast their votes among which 201 have been identified as sensitive booths.
Voting process at 175 voting stations are being webcast in order to ensure unbiased polling to monitor the situation while micro observers have been appointed at 23 booths.
As many as 25 platoons of Police Force along with 3 Companies of CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) supervised by 35 senior officers in the rank of SP/Addl SP/ DSP/ Inspector have been deployed.
In additional to the above mentioned force, a total of 163 SIs/ DSIs/ Dy. Subedars/ ASIs/ HMs and 736 Havildars/ Constables/ APRs/ HGs are also deployed.
30 officers in the rank of SI/ASI along with 30 section of force have been deployed at 10 numbers of Naka / Check Posts and 6 SI/ASI with 15 section of force deployed as SF/ QRT under Pipili, Delanga, Balanga and Satyabadi PS areas. Total 32 number of Mobile Parties have been deployed under the mentioned PS areas.
A total of 6 Flying Squad/ Static Surveillance teams have also been formed for proper monitoring with a view to ensure free and fair Bye-Election.
Earlier, the Pipili by-election was postponed twice. The Election Commission decided to postpone the election following the death of sitting MLA Pradeep Maharathy in October last year and then due to the second wave of Covid.
The counting of votes will take place on October 3.
Also read: Odisha: 25 platoons of Police Force deployed for Pipili Bye-Election
Ms Kalinga