High-Decibel Campaign Ends for Final Phase of Odisha Elections.

The high-energy campaign for the fourth and final phase of elections in Odisha concluded, setting the stage for voting on June 1. This phase involves six Lok Sabha constituencies—Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, and Jagatsinghpur—and 42 Assembly segments.A record 99.61 lakh voters, including 50.88 lakh men, 48.72 lakh women, and 687 third-gender individuals, will decide the fate of 460 candidates. Notable candidates include BJP’s Pratap Sarangi and Baijayant Panda, BJD’s Sudam Marndi and Lekhasri Samantsinghar, Congress’ Srikant Jena, and JMM’s Anjani Soren among the 66 contesting Lok Sabha seats. For the Assembly, BJD’s Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak and Preetiranjan Gharei, BJP’s Manmohan Samal, and Congress’ Niranjan Patnaik are among the 394 candidates.Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Nikunja Bihari Dhal highlighted that voting will end at 6 PM across all constituencies. Approximately 70,000 polling personnel will manage 10,882 booths, with 16% marked as critical. Security will be reinforced with 126 companies of CAPFs, including 22 in Balasore and 21 in Jajpur.This phase will feature around 1,400 all-women polling stations and 20% model booths. Considering the hot and humid weather forecast, provisions for voter safety will be ensured with ASHA and paramedical staff on standby. A voter turnout of 73-74% was recorded in the last general elections, and a similar high turnout is expected this time.