Bhubaneswar, May 24: With Phase III elections in Odisha rapidly approaching, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Nikunja Bihari Dhal has emphasized that any form of violence, intimidation, or threats to voters and candidates will not be tolerated during the polls.

Addressing political parties, Dhal stated, “Pre-poll violence has been reported from some areas. The Election Commission of India is dedicated to ensuring free and fair polling. The ECI has made it clear that there is zero tolerance for any form of violence in this democratic process. Political parties must refrain from violence and ensure that the elections for six Lok Sabha and 42 Assembly seats in Odisha, scheduled for May 25, are conducted fairly.”

Discussing election preparedness and the law and order situation in constituencies where polling will occur on Saturday, Dhal announced, “A total of 121 Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) teams have been deployed to ensure violence-free elections.”

According to data provided by the CEO, the CAPF teams have been distributed as follows: 12 teams for the Sambalpur Lok Sabha constituency, two for Deogarh, 12 for Angul, eight for Dhenkanal, two for Mayurbhanj, 17 for Keonjhar, 11 for Cuttack (rural), eight for Cuttack Sadar, 13 for Bhubaneswar Sadar, 11 for Khurda, 11 for Puri, and 14 for Nayagarh Lok Sabha constituencies.

The CEO has also encouraged voters to turn out in large numbers and participate in this celebration of democracy.

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