**Bhubaneswar**: Over 53,62,814 eligible voters will decide the fate of candidates fighting in 175 Zilla Parishad zones and 1,386 panchayats in the second phase three-tier Panchayat Raj elections on Wednesday (February 15).
“The second-phase polls being held in 175 Zilla Parishad constituencies in 65 blocks across 29 districts. 53, 62,814 voters will cast their votes in 1,386 Gram Panchayats comprising of 18,581 wards,” informed State Election Commission (SEC) Secretary Rabindranath Sahu.
Similar to the first phase of polling, the second phase polling started from 7 am till 12 noon. Counting of votes will start from 1 pm.
Two polling officers, one presiding officer, one or two police officer being deployed in each polling centre, said official sources.
Later briefing media, the SEC secretary said, “As per reports received, polling was underway peacefully. It all started on time everywhere. Only in Jajpur district problem was reported at a booth in Danagadi block. Jajpur Collector informed that the polling at the booth has been kept on hold. After receiving report from him the future course of action will be decided by us.”
“Till now nothing untoward reported from the Maoist-affected areas. We hope everything will pass off peacefully there too.”
On first phase hitches of ballot paper and ballot box snatching cases, the SEC secretary said, “In the first phase polling, ballot paper and ballot box snatching cases were reported. Keeping in view, all District Collectors and SPs to be vigilant and ensure that the polling parties are back safe and sound under proper police escort. They have been asked to see that such incidents do not repeat henceforth.”