Big relief to Hemant Biswa Sarma, Election Commission reduced 48-hour ban to 24 hours

Hemant Biswa Sarma, the BJP’s leader in Assam and the most powerful minister in the government, has received a major relief from the Election Commission.  The Election Commission on Saturday reduced the 48-hour ban imposed on Sarma’s campaigning to 24 hours.  The Election Commission’s panel has taken this decision after Hemant Biswa Sarma’s assurance of fully complying with the provisions of the Model Code.
 In the case of objectionable comments against BPF President Hagrama Mohilary on Hemant Biswa Sarma, the Election Commission had imposed a 48-hour ban on his election campaign on Friday.  The Election Commission said in its order that “the Commission strongly condemns the statements of Himanta Biswa Sarma.”  The Commission prohibits any of their public meetings, holding public processions, holding rallies, roadshows, giving interviews and making public statements in the media for 48 hours with immediate effect on April 2 (Friday).
 What did Sarma say? Sarma had said that if Mohilari promotes insurgency with rebel leader M Batha, he will be sent to jail through the Central Investigation Agency NIA.  The Bodoland People’s Front is an ally of the Congress in Assam.  Earlier this party was with BJP.  Following this statement of Sarma, the opposition parties became aggressive and demanded the Election Commission to take action against Sarma.
 Third and last phase voting 6 April Assam has two-phase polling, while the third and last phase of polling will be held on April 6 for 40 seats.  In the first phase elections, on March 27, about 79.97 percent of the voters exercised their franchise in 47 seats, while in the second phase on Thursday, 39 seats were voted.  The results will come on 2 May.