Post News Network
Champua/Baliguda, Jan 19: Elections to 13 wards each in Champua NAC of Keonjhar district and Baliguda NAC in Kandhamal district passed off peacefully amid tight security arrangements. This was the maiden poll for the Baliguda civic body.
Sources said 82.08 per cent of polling was recorded in Champua NAC while 74 Baliguda witnessed 74 per cent voting Tuesday.
Sources said 7,850 out of total 9,508 voters exercised their franchise in 13 wards of Champua. Political fortunes of 41 candidates in the fray were sealed in ballot boxes amid tight security arrangements here.
“Finally, 82.08 per cent polling was recorded,” said electoral officer Sangram Keshari Swain.
CRPF forces were deployed in ward 4 and 5, as they were identified as sensitive.
Sources said voting was logged at 51.56 per cent by noon, even though initial voters’ turnout was low when voting started at 8 am.
Collector N Tirumala Nayak, SP Kabita Jalan, and several other senior officials were present in the areas to ensure smooth and peaceful elections.
According to sources, BJD and BJP have fielded candidates in all the wards while Congress candidates are contesting in eight wards and Independents in seven wards.
“Voting has ended peacefully,” said the district collector.
After elections, former MP Jasbant Laguri claimed that 10 wards would go to BJD’s kitty, while BJP activists are hopeful of performing well in eight wards.
As for Baliguda, 41 candidates from BJD, BJP, Congress and Independents are in the fray. Polling started on a low note due to chill in the morning here, but began to pick up by the noon. 9,425 out of total 12764 voters exercised their franchise. Polling was held in 19 booths with deployment of 20 platoons of police forces in the town.
“12 booths were hyper sensitive while 4 were sensitive. There were elaborate security arrangements in these booths,” an official said.
EVMs were shifted to strong rooms amid tight security cover while counting of votes will be held January 21.