Bhubaneswar: Technical issues with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) delayed casting of votes at various polling booths in Odisha during the first phase of twin polls in the state.

As per reports, glitches in EVMs were reported at Booth No. 66 in Kumutiguda, Malkangiri district; Booth No. 101 in Nuapada; as well as Booth Numbers 72 and 89 in Podapali and Loharapali, Khariar.

Furthermore, EVM glitches have also affected voting at Booth Numbers 160 and 194 in Jeypore, and Booths 59 and 60 in Borigumma, Koraput district.

The polling at Booth Number 207 in Rayagada was also paused due to technical malfunctions in the EVMs.

The first phase of Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Odisha commenced today as voting began from 7 am.

Four parliamentary constituencies-- Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Berhampur, and Koraput-- and 28 assembly seats went to polls in this phase.

The Election Commission has made elaborate arrangements in this regard. Altogether, 62,87,222 voters including 30,97, 527 men and 31,89,060 women will exercise their franchise at 7,303 polling booths in the first phase polls in Odisha.

The voters will decide the fate of 37 candidates for four Lok Sabha seats and 243 candidates for 28 Assembly seats.

Although the usual voting hours are from 7 am to 7 pm, adjustments have been made in some areas due to specific circumstances.