Bhubaneswar: In a move to strengthen its preparations for the upcoming rural polls in Odisha, the BJD has constituted a six-member high-powered State-level monitoring team to oversee the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The committee, formed on the directive of BJD President Naveen Patnaik, comprises senior leaders Pramila Mallik, Niranjan Pujari, Pratap Jena, Sasmit Patra, Bhrugu Baxipatra, and Bijay Nayak. It will operate from Sankha Bhawan and immediately begin reviewing the status of Booth Level Agent (BLA) appointments and training across all Assembly constituencies.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is set to conduct the SIR in Odisha as part of its Phase III nationwide drive, with house-to-house verification by Booth Level Officers scheduled from May 30 to June 28. The qualifying date is July 1 and the final electoral rolls are expected to be published on September 6.
The BJD team’s primary mandate is to streamline the appointment, training, and capacity building of BLAs — party representatives who work alongside BLOs during the revision process. This grassroots-level engagement aims to ensure thorough scrutiny of voter lists, accurate identification of discrepancies, and full participation in the ECI’s intensive drive.
To maintain momentum and accountability, the committee will submit weekly progress reports directly to the BJD supremo.
This step comes after BJD leaders, including Sasmit Patra, earlier raised concerns with the ECI regarding the identification of nearly 9.8 lakh voters for potential deletion in pre-SIR exercises. The party has emphasised the need for transparent verification, due process, and safeguards to protect genuine electors.
Political observers view the formation of this high-level team as a strategic effort by BJD to fortify its machinery ahead of future electoral battles, ensuring active involvement in what is described as a participative exercise involving political parties, officials, and voters.