Amid speculation over early polls, Odisha State Election Commissioner Madhusudan Padhi confirmed that panchayat elections will adhere to the constitutionally mandated five-year tenure. While no decision has been taken on the exact dates, preparatory work has begun at the subdivision level, including meetings with district collectors and initiation of arrangements for polling booths, ballot boxes, and other logistics. The Commission emphasized that elections will only be held after the current rural local bodies complete their term.
