Odisha bypolls: BJD candidate leads after first spherical of counting in Pipili

Counting of votes for the by-poll held in Pipili Assembly constituency in Odisha earlier this week started on Sunday amid tight safety preparations.

BJD candidate Rudra Maharathy led by 1406 votes within the first spherical of counting of votes, in response to Election Commission. He was adopted by BJP nominee Ashrit Pattanayak with 2649 votes and Congress candidate Bishwokeshan Harichandan Mohapatra received 766 votes.

The bypoll was necessitated following the loss of life of BJD MLA Pradeep Maharathy in October final 12 months attributable to which the seat fell vacant.

BJD’s Rudrapratap Maharathy, BJP’s Ashrit Patnaik and Congress’ Biswhwokeshan Harichandan Mohapatra are among the many complete of ten candidates which might be within the fray.

Kanwar Vishal Singh, Superintendant of Police(SP), Puri stated 5 platoons of forces together with an extra SP and two DSPs have been deployed in Pipli.

“We have deployed adequate power in Pipili and Puri metropolis. Solely authorised individuals are allowed within the robust room. We’re doing intensive patrolling in delicate areas of the constituency,” the SP stated.

He additional added that if any form of violations are discovered, instant motion will likely be taken and fundamental gates have been guarded with barricades and with adequate variety of officers.

Pipli is been protected with safety forces and intensive patrolling and deployment have been organized within the weak areas.

The by-poll was scheduled to happen first on April 17, however it had been countermanded following the loss of life of the then Congress candidate Ajit Mangaraj who succumbed to Covid-19, three days earlier than polling. Voting was deferred once more on Might 13 and Might 16.