With the deadline for submission of nomination papers for ensuing municipal elections in the State ending on Saturday, the State Election Commissioner (SEC) Ajit Kumar Tripathy informed that the future course of action for the nine districts in western Odisha where lawyers and political parties have boycotted the polls demanding a permanent High Court Bench would be decided after August 29, the date for withdrawal of the nominations already filed.
“We have asked the Collectors of Bargarh, Deogarh, Jagatsinghpur, Sambalpur, Sundargarh, Balangir, Nuapada, Kalahandi and Subarnapur to submit reports regarding filing of nominations in their respective districts. After receiving reports, we will act accordingly. If situation demands, re-poll may take place in these districts,” said Tripathy, adding that whatever action would be taken would be decided after the date of withdrawal.