Bhubaneswar: The voting for the Phase III Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Odisha on Saturday saw several VIPs casting their ballots during the early hours of polling and calling on people to exercise their franchise in large numbers.
Among those who voted before noon were Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi, 5T Chairman VK Pandian, BJP’s National Vice President Baijayant Panda, Puri BJP’s Lok Sabha candidate Sambit Patra, Chief Secretary Pk Jena and Chief Electoral Officer Nikunja Bihari Dhal and Congress Cuttack-Barabati MLA Candidate Sofia Firdous.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik exercised his democratic franchise at a polling booth for the Phase III Odisha election.
“I request all voters especially the young voters to come out and vote and express their democratic franchise”, CM Naveen Patnaik told mediapersons after casting his vote.
It is pertinent to note that CM is fighting elections from two assembly seats Hinjli and Kantabanji which went for polling on May 20.
5T Chairman Kartik Pandian came to the polling station in an auto-rickshaw and was seen standing in a long queue to cast his vote at a polling station in the state capital. He encourages voters to join the festival of democracy and enjoy being of it.
After voting Pandian addressed the media houses saying “Everyone should come and vote in large numbers and participate in the great celebration of democracy. Enjoy the festival of democracy and choose the candidate of your choice.”
BJP’s Bhubaneswar MP candidate Aparajita Sarangi stood in a long queue and waited for her turn to cast her vote.
Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Nikunja Dhal and Chief Secretary PK Jena also exercised their franchise at a polling booth soon after the voting process began.
Dhal said “I am happy to see voters coming in large numbers to exercise their franchise. People should not be afraid of casting their votes. Security arrangements have been beefed up in every booth for the convenience of voters. People should feel safe to cast their votes.”
Chief Secretary PK Jena said, “I feel proud of casting my vote. I would like to appeal to every citizen to cast their vote to strengthen the Indian democracy.
As per reports, BJP National Vice President and party’s Kendrapara Lok Sabha candidate Baijayant Panda exercised his franchise at a polling booth in Bhubaneswar by standing in a queue.
Also, BJP’s Lok Sabha candidate Sambit Patra had to stand in a queue for one and a half hours to cast his vote.
Moreover, many VIPs took to social media to show their inked fingers and inspire other citizens to exercise their voting rights.
