JAGATSINGHPUR: In violation of election norms, some BJD workers forcibly entered a polling booth in Odisso panchayat after the scheduled time for casting vote. Sources said nearly 50 BJD workers forcibly entered Booth No.6 of the panchayat after polling time and demanded to cast their vote.
After completion of polling hour, the local BJD supporters demanded slips from the presiding officer and when he refused, they resorted to dharna.
Local BJD workers, led by senior leader Kanak Prava Lenka, staged the dharna demanding that the BJD supporters should cast their vote. Despite the tension, counting of votes continued amidst tight security.
In another incident, Congress agent Tusar Das was attacked by BJD agent Prasant Pradhan in Ward No.6 of Gangadahat under Naugaon police limits in which polling was paralysed for one hour. Polling started after the police intervened and assured that action will be taken against the accused.
On the other hand, nearly 15 families of Arana GP under Naugaon block did not find their names in the voters’ list and could not exercise their franchise. Election was held in 46 panchayats of Jagatsinghpur and Naugaon blocks amid tight security on Tuesday. Nearly 10 platoons of police were deployed for peaceful polling.