Election Commission To Deploy 102 CAPF Companies For Phase 3 Polling In Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Ahead of the crucial third phase of simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Odisha, the Election Commission of India has announced the deployment of a massive 102 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to ensure free and fair polls. The announcement was made by Nikunja Bihari Dhal, the state’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), on Thursday.

The polling, scheduled for May 25, will encompass the Lok Sabha constituencies of Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Sambalpur, Keonjhar and Dhenkanal—along with their 42 Assembly segments. A total of 98.41 lakh eligible voters, comprising 48.30 lakh men, 46.18 lakh women, and 21 percent youth voters, will cast their votes across 10,551 polling booths.

Among the candidates, 383 individuals are vying for MLA positions, including 339 men and 44 women, while 64 candidates are in the race for MP seats, featuring 55 men and 9 women.

Remarkably, 1,500 of the polling booths will be staffed exclusively by women personnel, highlighting a focus on gender inclusivity. Additionally, the election will see the deployment of 70,000 polling staff to ensure smooth conduct.