CEO Reviews Preparations and Law & Order for Nuapada By-Election

Nuapada: Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Odisha, R. S. Gopalan (IAS), along with Additional DGP and State Police Nodal Officer Sanjay Kumar and senior officials from the Election Commission of India (ECI), visited Nuapada on Friday to review preparations, law and order arrangements, and administrative readiness for the upcoming by-election in the 71-Nuapada Assembly Constituency.

The review meeting, held in the Collector’s Office Conference Hall, was chaired by the CEO. Senior officers from both civil and police administration attended the meeting, which focused on ensuring free, fair, and peaceful elections through close coordination between all departments.

The CEO stressed the need for transparency, integrity, and impartiality in election management. He urged all officers, staff, and police personnel to perform their duties with commitment, stating, “Serving in a by-election is a great opportunity to uphold democratic values and strengthen the reputation of the Election Commission.”

Highlighting the importance of vigilance, Gopalan directed officials to curb any attempt to influence voters through distribution of cash, liquor, sarees, or other inducements. He also emphasized prompt action on complaints received via the C-Vigil app and directed the 24×7 control room/help desk to ensure immediate redressal of public grievances.

Collector and District Election Officer Madhusudan Dash presented a detailed report on administrative arrangements, while SP Amrit Pal Singh gave a PowerPoint presentation outlining the security plan and preventive measures to maintain law and order.

The CEO, along with central officials, reviewed the district’s preparedness and advised both the Collector and SP to ensure the by-election is conducted flawlessly and in exemplary fashion. It was also noted that no transfer of officials will be allowed in the district until the by-election process is over.

Among the key officials present were S.B. Joshi, Principal Secretary, ECI; Kunwar Vishal Singh, DIG; Sujit Kumar Mishra, Secretary, ECI; Sushanta Kumar Mishra, Additional CEO-cum-Special Secretary; and Pramod Kumar Sahu, Additional Secretary.

Later in the day, the CEO and senior officials visited the training centre for Presiding Officers and First Polling Officers, interacting with officials undergoing training. In the afternoon session, Shri Gopalan convened a meeting with heads of various committees responsible for conducting the by-election and reviewed their respective action plans.

He instructed the district administration to ensure uninterrupted power supply, proper sanitation, safe drinking water, ramps, and other essential facilities at all polling booths, underscoring the Election Commission’s commitment to accessible and voter-friendly polling.