After three postponements, Sept 30 date for Pipili by-poll

BHUBANESWAR: The Pipili by-election postponed thrice for different reasons will now be held on September 30. Making the announcement, the Election Commission of India said the counting of votes will take place on October 3. The bypoll was necessitated following the death of sitting MLA Pradeep Maharathy (BJD) due to Covid-related complications in October 2020.
Though the long-pending by-election was initially scheduled on April 17, it was countermanded following the death of Congress candidate Ajit Mangaraj, three days before the scheduled poll date. Though the ECI fixed the poll date on May 13, it was rescheduled to May 16 in view of Eid-ul-Fitr. The poll panel deferred all elections due to the second wave.
ECI sources said there will be no fresh nomination as it has been completed for the by-election. While the BJD has fielded Rudra Prasad Maharathy, son of the deceased MLA to sail through the election on the sympathy factor, Ashrit Pattanayak, who unsuccessfully contested the 2019 assembly poll, is BJP’s candidate. After Mangaraj’s death, Congress has nominated Bishwokeshan Harichandan Mohapatra. There are seven other candidates in the fray.
State chief electoral officer S K Lohani said since the Covid situation has improved in the state, the ECI consulted with the state government and political parties before issuing the fresh schedule. He said the entire poll process will be completed by October 5. In view of the possible third wave, all instructions issued by the ECI will be applicable during the forthcoming bypoll, he said.
The CEO said campaigns can be held in indoor halls at 30% capacity or 200 people. A maximum of 1,000 people can participate in outdoor campaign, if it has star campaigners.
Inspired By