By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: Amid unprecedented security measures backed by COVID-19 guidelines, Over 67.51 lakh people are casting their votes at 22,379 booths, of which 3,357 have been identified as sensitive on Wednesday as part of the 1st phase of the 5 phases voting for Odisha Panchayat and Zilla Parisshad Polls.
In first phase, polling for which going on for 200 Zilla Parishad member posts in 1,669 Gram Panchayats under 71 blocks with total 726 persons in fray. Polling started from 7 am will continue till 1 pm. At the time of polling, each voter is required to produce Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) or any of the 13 other documents approved by the SEC.
Total 225 platoons of police force comprising 37,245 cops will be deployed to maintain law and order.
The Panchayat and Zilla Parishad elections are being held in five phases on February 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24 with strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols.
Over 2.79 crore voters will exercise their franchise in total 91,913 wards of 6,794 Gram Panchayats across all districts in 5 phases. Of the total 91,913 polling booths, 13,785 have been identified as sensitive, said, State Election Commissioner Aditya Prasad Padhee.
