Hours after banning Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma from campaigning in the state, Election Commission reduced the 48-hour ban to 24 hours, according to news agency ANI.
The minister will now be able to campaign tomorrow – the final day before the third and final phase of Assembly elections take place on Tuesday.
In a letter to Himanta Sarma, EC said “The Commission, having considered your aforesaid unconditional apology and assurance/undertaking, in the above mentioned representation, has decided to modify its Order dated 2nd April, 2021 and reduce the period of debarment from election campaign from 48 hours to 24 hours to the effect that permission may be granted for holding any public meetings, public processions, public rallies, road shows, etc., by the concerned district administration authorities, where you are expected or likely to participate.”
This was done after Sarma expressed his sincere regret over the MCC violation and assured that he would abide by the model code in future.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission has ordered the transfer of his brother Sushanta Biswa Sarma, SP Goalpara district.
Sushanta Biswa Sarma will be transferred to some suitable post in state headquarter, the EC said in a letter which was issued on Friday.
As per the new order, Veera Rakesh Reddy will now replace Sushanta as Superintendent of Police, Goalpara.
Elections for the 126-seat Assam Legislative Assembly is scheduled to undergo three-phase assembly elections covering more than 2.33 crore electors in the state.
Polling for the first two phases has been done on March 27 and April 1. The polling for the third phase will be done on April 6 and the counting of votes will take place on May 2.
Assam elections (3-phase )
- 126 seats (8-SC, 16-ST)
- 33,530 polling stations
- Assembly term ending on May 31
- 1st phase- 47 constituencies. Date of polling- March 27
- 2nd phase- 39 constituencies. Date of polling- April 1
- 3rd phase- 40 constituencies. Date of polling- April 6
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