BHUBANESWAR: More than 94.48 lakh voters on Saturday will switch the electronic voting machines (EVMs) twice each to determine the outcomes for 64 candidates vying for six Lok Sabha seats and 383 hopefuls contesting 42 assembly seats in the crucial third phase of simultaneous elections, which is seen as pivotal in deciding who will form the next state government here.

The influential Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Puri triangle, perceived the trendsetter for the state, will vote in this phase. Besides, the mining rich and tribal dominated Keonjhar, industrial belt of Dhenkanal and western Odisha gateway of Sambalpur will vote. Odia Asmita and missing keys of Ratna Bhandar, the sacred treasure of Lord Jagannath besides steps taken for tribals and middle class have been the key talking points.
Of the six LS segments going to poll, BJD had won four (Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Cuttack and Puri) while BJP had two seats of Sambalpur and Bhubaneswar in 2019. Among the 42 assembly seats, BJD had won 34, BJP six and Congress two. Any change in the numbers this time may significantly alter the state’s political landscape. All eyes are on whether people in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, which in the past have recorded low polling percentage, turn up in good numbers or choose to enjoy the extended weekend. The political futures of prominent figures such as Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Sambit Patra and Aparajita Saranagi of BJP besides BJD’s Pranab Prakash Das and Santrupt Misra will be sealed in the EVMs.