TheElection Commission in a fresh order on Saturday gave relief to BJP leaderHimanta Biswa Sarma by reducing his ban from campaigning to 24 hours.
Thecommission's order came following Sarma's request to the poll body, mentioning"accept my sincere regret and assurance of abiding MCC (Model Code ofConduct) in future, and be further pleased to reduce the period of debarmentfrom election campaign from 48 hours to 24 hours".
Sarmahad also pleaded on the ground that he is himself a candidate in theconstituency which is scheduled for poll on April 6. The BJP leader iscontesting from Jalukbari Assembly constituency.
"Thecommission, having considered your unconditional apology and assurance, hasdecided to modify its order dated April 2, 2021 and reduce the period ofdebarment from the election campaign from 48 hours to 24 hours to the effectthat permission may be granted for holding any public meetings, publicprocessions, public rallies, road shows, etc., by the concerned districtadministration authorities, where you (Himanta Biswa Sarma) are expected orlikely to participate," the EC said.
"Youare directed to ensure compliance of the commissioner's directions."
Thepoll panel on Friday had barred Sarma from campaigning for 48 hours on chargesof threatening opposition leader Hagrama Mohilary of the Bodoland People'sFront.
TheEC, in its Friday order had barred Sarma from addressing any public meetings,road shows, media interviews, public processions, and public rallies, for 48hours from immediate effect from April 2.
Thepoll panel's action came in the wake of the complaint filed by the Congress onMarch 30, alleging that Sarma had openly threatened to send Mohilary to jail bymisusing the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Noting"prima facie violation" of provisions of the Model Code of conduct bySarma, the EC had directed the BJP leader to submit his explanations on theallegations by 5 p.m. on Friday.
TheCongress and the Bodoland People's Front are alliance partners in Assam.