BJD vs BJP: Odisha fight narrows down to two major parties

Five Lok Sabha constituencies in Odisha – Bargarh, Sundargarh, Bolangir, Kandhamal and Aska – and 35 Assembly segments under these constituencies – on Thursday went to polls simultaneously in the second phase of general elections.

According to Odisha Chief Electoral Officer Surendra Kumar, an estimated 64 per cent turnout has been recorded till 5 pm. State Election Commission sources have suggested that the polling figures are tentative and the final figures will be announced on Friday. It is believed that the final poll turnout could touch 70 per cent, sources said. In the 2014 elections, Odisha had recorded 72.5 per cent polling in the second phase.

The State Election Commission sources said the poll body is mulling fresh polling in six booths in three LS seats due to "human error" during replacement of VVPAT machines.

Polling was largely peaceful and no untoward incident was reported from anywhere on Thursday, including the Maoist infested Kandhamal Lok Sabha constituency, where the Left ultra gunned down a woman election official and set ablaze three vehicles on election duty on Wednesday.

Plight of farmers struggling to sell paddy, pest attacks on crop are main poll issues in Bargarh. The constituency has witnessed maximum farmers' suicide in the state. According to observers, the polls instate has narrowed down to a BJD-BJP fight on the day of vote.