Bhubaneswar, Feb 17: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed all government officials, including district Collectors and Superintendents of Police (SPs), to uphold impartiality and transparency throughout the upcoming simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Odisha.

Addressing a press conference, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar emphasized the importance of impartiality and transparency among government officials during the elections. He stated, "Government officials in Odisha should maintain impartiality and transparency during the simultaneous polls. They should be equally accessible to all political parties." The CEC also urged senior officials to raise awareness about these principles among their subordinates, noting that the ECI has already issued instructions to senior officials in this regard.

The press conference concluded the CEC's three-day visit to the state, during which a team from the ECI, led by the CEC, held discussions with senior officials, including the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police (DGP), and the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO). They also engaged with representatives from various political parties and reviewed preparations for the upcoming elections.

According to the CEC, Odisha will have a total of 37,809 polling booths during the elections, with webcasting planned for 22,685 polling booths to ensure transparency and accountability.

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