Bhubaneswar, 21 January (H.S.): Odisha is set to hold municipal elections in 24 newly declared urban local bodies by the end of June this year, State Election Commissioner Madhusudan Padhi has announced. The elections will be conducted in recently notified municipal areas across the state, in accordance with statutory provisions.

To assess ground-level preparedness, the State Election Commissioner recently convened a review meeting at the Ganjam District Council conference hall. The meeting focused on evaluating election-related arrangements, administrative preparedness, and logistical planning to ensure the smooth, free, and transparent conduct of the municipal polls.

Officials reviewed key aspects such as manpower deployment, voter list readiness, polling infrastructure, and coordination among district authorities. Emphasis was laid on adhering strictly to the election timeline and maintaining transparency throughout the process.

As per established norms, elections to any newly declared municipal area must be completed within six months of its notification. In line with this requirement, the State Election Commission has already initiated the necessary preparatory measures to ensure timely completion of the electoral process.

Earlier, the Odisha government had issued a notification declaring 24 new urban local bodies, including Notified Area Councils (NACs) and municipalities. Consequently, elections in all these newly notified bodies are mandated to be held within the stipulated six-month period.

Officials confirmed that election results in these urban bodies will be declared by the end of June. Following the announcement of results, the first council meetings of the newly elected municipal bodies will be convened, formally initiating their administrative functioning.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda