Bhubaneswar: Polling has started in Nuapada bypoll, with voters deciding the fate of 14 candidates. The contest is a triangular fight between BJP’s Jay Dholakia, BJD’s Snehangini Chhuria, and Congress’s Ghasiram Majhi. Voting is underway at 358 booths across Nuapada and Komna blocks, and Khariar Road NAC.
Security measures are in place, with 14 companies of central armed forces deployed, and webcasting at all polling stations.
Voting is underway in the Nuapada by-poll, with 253,624 eligible voters, including 124,108 men, 129,495 women, and 21 third-gender voters, casting their ballots at 358 polling stations. Voting hours vary, with 311 booths open from 7 am to 5 pm and 47 booths open from 7 am to 4 pm.
It is pertinent to mention that the Nuapada Assembly constituency comprises Nuapada and Komna blocks, and Khariar Road and Nuapada NACs. Komna block has 32 panchayats, Nuapada block has 31 panchayats, Khariar Road NAC has 19 wards, and Nuapada NAC has 14 wards. There are a total of 358 polling stations: 17 in Nuapada NAC, 19 in Khariar Road NAC, 157 in Nuapada block, and 165 in Komna block.
According to sources, the district administration has made extensive arrangements for the voting. As many as 1,584 employees have been deployed in 396 polling parties. Besides, six pink booths have been set up. There will be three at Khariar Road High School, 2 at Nuapada National High School, and one at the Girls’ High School. To ensure the election is conducted peacefully and orderly, 1 SP and additional SP, 6 DSPs, 9 Inspectors, 151 SIs and ASIs, 103 Havildars, 477 Constables, 159 APR Constables, 37 OAPF, 287 Home Guards, along with 14 companies of CAPF, SAP 6 platoons, and 2 sections of jawans have been deployed.
