The Election Commission (EC) on Saturday reduced the 48-hour campaign ban imposed on Assam Minister and BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma to 24 hours after he tendered an “unconditional apology” and assured the poll panel that he will abide by the provisions of the Model Code of Conduct.
Meanwhile, the poll body transferred his brother and Goalpara Superintendent of Police Sushanta Biswa Sarma from the district.
Himanta was on Friday barred from campaigning-related activities till April 4 for allegedly making threatening remarks against Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) chief Hagrama Mohilary. Canvassing for the third and final phase of Assam Assembly elections comes to an end on the evening of April 4. The final phase of polling will be held on April 6.
In his representation to the Election Commission on Saturday, Sarma pleaded to the EC to reduce the ban to 24 hours on the ground that his own constituency was set to go to polls on Tuesday. The EC order said, Sarma requested the poll panel to “accept my sincere regret and assurance of abiding MCC in future, and, be further pleased to reduce the period of debarment from election campaign from 48 hours to 24 hours. As to the effect that permission may be granted for holding any public meetings, public processions, public rallies, road shows by the concerned district administration authorities, where you are expected or likely to participate.”
The Congress had approached the EC demanding action against Sarma for his remark that Mohilary would be sent to jail through central probe agency NIA if he does “extremism” with rebel leader M Batha. The BPF is an ally of the Congress in Assam. It was previously with the BJP.
In another development, the EC has passed an order transferring his brother Sushanta Biswa Sarma, who is the Superintendent of Police, Goalpara, which will go to the poll on April 6. The order said that Sarma shall be transferred to some suitable post in the State headquarters and IPS officer Veera Venakata Rakesh Reddy shall be posted with immediate effect as the new SP of Goalpara district.