Bhubaneswar: The elections to 21 Lok Sabha and 147 Assembly seats in Odisha will be conducted in four phases starting April 11, said Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the state, Surendra Kumar here, Sunday (see graphic at top).
The CEO said that Maoist affected areas of the state will simultaneously go to polls along with regions of adjoining states who face the same menace so that the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) can be smoothly mobilised to facilitate a trouble-free election.
The results of the 147 Assembly seats will also be announced, May 23.
With the announcement of poll dates, the model code of conduct has come into force with immediate effect in Odisha. Every department has been already instructed to appoint their nodal officers to ensure that hoardings, banners, posters and photographs of political leaders which are not in accordance with the code be removed within 24 hours, informed Kumar.
“Transfer of any poll-related officials will not be entertained without the permission of the Election Commission,” Kumar said.
All necessary checking and training of officials has been completed and the office of CEO is fully ready to ensure free, fair, accessible and peaceful poll, Kumar asserted.
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