Bhubaneswar, Jan. 25 -- The Odisha State Election Commission clarified on Sunday that the panchayat elections will not be conducted ahead of schedule and will be held only after the completion of the stipulated five-year tenure. The clarification was given by State Election Commissioner Madhusudan Padhi amid speculation over the timing of the rural local body polls.

Padhi said that no decision has yet been taken regarding the conduct of the panchayat elections and that the matter would be decided at the appropriate time, in accordance with constitutional provisions. He, however, confirmed that preparatory work has already begun to ensure readiness once the election process is formally initiated.

According to the State Election Commissio...