After submitting his resignation letter, he simply waved to the gathered journalists and promptly left the premises, eschewing any comments.

The Congress was leading in seven seats, and the CPI (M) in one, while an Independent candidate was also ahead, stated Odisha Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Nikunja Bihari Dhal.

The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Odisha Election Watch have scrutinised the affidavits of 1,283 of the 1,285 candidates competing for the 147 MLA seats.

Voting commenced at 7 am in Sambalpur, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, and Puri Lok Sabha constituencies, encompassing 42 assembly segments.

By Sunday afternoon, approximately 60,000 polling personnel had arrived at their assigned destinations, ready to facilitate the voting process, according to Dhal.

On May 25, constituents from Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Puri, and Sambalpur Lok Sabha constituencies, along with 42 assembly seats under these segments, will cast their votes.