Odisha: Election Commission of India announces Pipili by-election on September 30

BHUBANESHWAR: The Pipili by-election in Puri district, which was earlier postponed thrice for different reasons, will now be held on September 30 as the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday announced fresh schedule.
Counting of votes will be taken place on October 3.
Bypoll to the assembly constituency was necessitated following death of sitting BJD MLA Pradeep Maharathy due to Covid-19-related complications in October, last year.
Though the long-pending by-election was initially scheduled on April 17, it was countermanded following death of Congress candidate Ajit Mangaraj, three days before the scheduled poll date. Though the ECI had fixed poll date on May 13, it was again rescheduled to May 16 in view of Eid-ul-Fitr. The poll panel had then deferred all elections due to second wave surge of the Covid-19.
ECI sources said there will be no fresh nomination as it has already 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 sympathy factor, Ashrit Pattanayak, who had unsuccessfully contested the 2019 assembly poll, is BJP’s candidate again in the bypoll. After Mangaraj’s death, Congress has nominated Bishwokeshan Harichandan Mohapatra as its candidate. There are seven other candidates in the fray.
State chief electoral officer SK Lohani said since the Covid-19 situation has improved in the state, the ECI had consulted with the state government and various political parties before issuing fresh schedule. He said the entire poll process will be completed by October 5.
“In view of the possible third wave of the Covid-19, all the instructions issued by the ECI earlier will be applicable during the forthcoming bypoll,” said Lohani.
The CEO said campaign in indoor halls will be held with 30% capacity of the hall or 200 people. Maximum 1,000 people can participate in outdoor campaign, if it is done by any star campaigners. In normal outdoor meetings, maximum 500 people can participate.
The district administration will earmark the venues and political parties have to take prior permission to hold meetings in such meetings. Total number of star campaigners have been reduced to 20 for national and state recognized political parties, said Lohani.
“Road shows, motor and bike rallies will not be allowed in view in view of Covid-19. Maximum 50 persons can participate in street meetings by adhering to Covid-19 protocols while maximum five persons including the candidate can participate in door-to-door campaign,” said Lohani.
The political activities which remained silent for months have started again with announcement of fresh date. Candidates of three major parties said they are confident to do well.
While the junior Maharathy said his father’s work for the people will help to get blessings of people, Ashrit said people of the constituency will never support family politics. The Congress candidate said mandate will go in favour of his party.
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