An official spokesman said that the nominations would be scrutinised on August 19, and the last date for withdrawal of candidatures would be August 21. The poll would be held on September 5.

Briefing newspersons about the arrangements as well as the contingency plans -- to be executed in the event of rains affecting the poll process -- the spokesman said that the administration had asked for about 250 buses from the State Road Transport Corporation, and was arranging for at least 200 other vehicles, including tractors and jeeps, so as to reach a large number of difficult areas during the rains in both the constituencies. Besides, at least a dozen swimmers and as many boats were also already with the administration for poll duty.

The spokesman said that the administration requires at least 500 additional officials to man the polls during the rains. Meanwhile, random allocation of about 10,000 officials on poll duties and repairs of about 7,000 ballot boxes had been done, he added.

In another development, Police Commissioner J Mahapatra, in a notification, has banned displaying of election-related posters and banners on buildings belonging to the government and local bodies without seeking their prior permission. He has also banned banners across the road if they obstructed traffic movement.

Use of loudspeakers for canvassing by contestants has been restricted from 6 a.m to 10 p.m. For using loudspeakers beyond 10 p.m. for some special functions, prior permission of the authorities concerned is a must.

According to a police notification, not more than three vehicles can move in any election convoy. However, vehicles on government duty will be exempt from these restrictions.