Sat Dec 27 06:12:21 UTC 2025: Summary:
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar began a three-day tour of Odisha on December 27, 2025. The visit includes a religious pilgrimage to Puri’s Jagannath Temple, visits to cultural and heritage sites, and a key meeting with approximately 700 booth-level officers (BLOs) from the Khurda and Cuttack districts. The BLOs are considered crucial to the upcoming Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise expected to be conducted in Odisha as part of the third phase of the national program.
News Article:
CEC Gyanesh Kumar Begins Odisha Tour, Highlights Importance of Booth-Level Officers
Bhubaneswar, December 27, 2025 – Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar commenced a three-day visit to Odisha today, emphasizing the crucial role of booth-level officers (BLOs) in the electoral process. Speaking to reporters upon arrival at Biju Patnaik International Airport, Kumar described BLOs as “the pillars of our election process.”
Accompanied by his family, Kumar’s visit began with a religious trip to Puri for darshan of Lord Jagannath. The itinerary also includes visits to notable cultural and heritage sites, such as Raghurajpur village, known for its ‘Patachitra’ paintings, the Dhauli Shanti Stupa, and the ancient Mukteswar Temple in Bhubaneswar.
A significant aspect of Kumar’s visit will be a meeting with around 700 BLOs from Khurda and Cuttack districts on December 29th. These BLOs are expected to play a vital role in the upcoming Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Odisha.
The Election Commission of India is conducting the SIR exercise in phases across the country. Odisha is anticipated to be covered in the third phase, following Bihar in the first phase and the current second phase in 12 states and Union territories. The CEC’s visit underscores the importance of preparation and the vital role BLOs will play in ensuring a smooth and accurate electoral process in the state.
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