Bhubaneswar, Jan. 24 -- Panchayat elections in Odisha are likely to be held ahead of schedule, BJP State President Manmohan Samal said on Friday.

Samal indicated that the elections may be conducted two to three months earlier than the stipulated time due to the upcoming census exercise.

Speaking on the matter, Samal said the possibility of early panchayat elections cannot be ruled out and urged BJP-supported sarpanches and panchayat samiti members to intensify their efforts. He directed them to complete all pending development works within the next six months.

Emphasising the party's preparedness for the forthcoming elections, Samal said the BJP must aim to win at all levels, including blocks, panchayats, district councils and wards. H...