Bhubaneswar: Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Odisha, Surendra Kumar said Wednesday that there has been 33 per cent voter turnout till 1:00pm in the second phase of Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in the state. He however, pointed out that it was an approximate figure as some of the polling booths are in remote areas with little or no connectivity.
Constituency-wise, while there have been 34 per cent polling in Bargarh Lok Sabha seat, 35 per cent in Aska, 30% in Sundergarh, 24% in Kandhamal and 28 per cent in Bolangir.
Speaking on the suspension of the general observer, who had inspected Prime Minister Modi’s helicopter against the set procedures of EC, the CEO said that the inquiry is on and a detailed report will soon be out.
Speaking about the security situation at polling booths, he said, “In 9,170 polling booths, elections have been conducted smoothly and peacefully. Additional forces have been deployed in Kandhamal to avert any further untoward incident.
Kumar further informed that the kin of Sanjukta Diggal, who was killed Wednesday during an attack carried out by the Naxals, will be adequately compensated. He informed that Digal’s family will get a minimum compensation of Rs 30 lakh if not more.