Odisha Polls: High Turnout Despite Heatstroke Tragedies

Polling in Odisha's six Lok Sabha constituencies and 42 assembly segments saw a voter turnout of over 62%, despite incidents of clashes and heatstroke-related fatalities. With simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections, the highest turnout was recorded in the Jagatsinghpur Lok Sabha seat and Jashipur assembly segment.

Polling in six Lok Sabha constituencies and 42 assembly segments in Odisha was largely peaceful on Saturday, with voter turnout reaching over 62% by 5 PM, according to an Election Commission official.

Tragically, a polling official and a voter died of suspected heatstroke. Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) N B Dhal confirmed that the polling process remained largely uninterrupted, barring minor EVM glitches. Jagatsinghpur Lok Sabha seat had the highest turnout at 65.93%, while Mayurbhanj's Jashipur assembly segment peaked at 70%.

Despite a few clashes and allegations of vote rigging, the election was conducted smoothly overall. 66 candidates are contesting in the Lok Sabha seats and 394 contestants are vying for assembly segments. Notable candidates include Odisha Assembly Speaker Pramila Mallik and several state ministers.