Representatives of various social organisations and public forums congregated here at the Gandhi statue on Monday and urged political parties and candidates contesting the panchyat elections to shun violence and ensure smooth conduct of polls.
In view of increasing violence in the district during and after filing of nominations for three-tier panchayat elections, various social organisations and intellectuals expressed concern over it.
Led by environmentalist Sudhir K Rout, the Forum for Ganjam issued a joint statement with a six-point advisory asking leaders of different political parties to direct their party workers to refrain from violence and any lucrative offers in cash or kind to influence voters.
The forum also sent an appeal letter to the district administration and SEC for smooth conduct of election process.
Among others who were part of the campaign were Odisha Seva Nibrutta Sangh secretary Shyam Sundar Khadaga, Odisha Blood Organisation president Sushant Mahanta, anti-liquor campaigner Bhimaraju Patra, activists Krishna Murty, Subash Chandra Mishra, Sarita Panda, Deeabandhu, B Swaryjya Subudhi, Gagan Chandra Mallick, Radha Charan Nayak and Jamula Suresh.