Bhubaneswar: The April 17 by-election to Pipili Assembly constituency has been countermanded following the death of Congress candidate Ajit Mangaraj.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) will soon issue a fresh notification for the bypoll, informed Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sushil Kumar Lohani on Thursday.
Briefing mediapersons, he said that the returning officer under Section 52 (I) (C) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, is empowered to adjourn the election in case of the death of a candidate.
The report of District Returning Officer Pradip Kumar Sahoo on the adjournment of the bypoll received by the CEO office was sent to the ECI on Wednesday evening, he said.
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“After the ECI notifies the date for the bypoll, the Congress party will be given an opportunity to announce its candidate and file nominations within seven days. Apart from this, the ECI will also reschedule scrutiny and withdrawal of the nomination,” he added.
Also Read: Congress’ Pipili Bypoll Candidate Ajit Mangaraj Succumbs To COVID-19
