Bhubaneswar, May 14: In the first phase of simultaneous Assembly and Lok Sabha polls in Odisha, the state recorded a significant 73.97% voter turnout.

The initial phase of polling concluded successfully on Monday, encompassing 28 assembly seats and Lok Sabha constituencies including Kalahandi, Koraput, Nabarangpur, and Berhampur. Nikunja Bihari Dhal, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), confirmed the turnout figure.

According to data provided by the CEO, the first phase saw a turnout of approximately 73.97% by 11:45 pm. Among the specific constituencies, Berhampur witnessed 63.34%, Kalahandi 75.71%, Koraput 76.98%, and Nabarangpur 80.22% voter participation.

Voting commenced at 7 am for both Lok Sabha and Assembly seats in the mentioned regions. A total of 37 candidates contested for the four Lok Sabha seats, while 243 candidates vied for the 28 State Assembly seats.

Initially, 266 candidates filed nominations for the Assembly seats, but ultimately, 243 remained in contention. Similarly, 38 candidates submitted nominations for the Lok Sabha seats, with one rejection, leaving 37 candidates in the fray.

To accommodate the voting process, the Election Commission arranged 7303 polling booths across the constituencies, catering to a total of 62,87,222 eligible voters, comprising 30,97,527 male voters and 31,89,060 female voters.

Powered by Froala Editor