The State Election Commission (SEC), Odisha on Sunday debarred ruling BJD MLA and government chief whip in the state Assembly, Pramila Mallik from campaigning for the party candidates in the three-tier Panchayat elections 2022.
The ruling party MLA from Binjharpur (Jajpur) has been accused of violating the model code of conduct (MCC) which is in force across the State in view of the rural polls.
The SEC restriction means that Pramila will not be able to campaign for the party anywhere in Odisha for 48 hours starting from 10 am of February 14.
The government chief whip was slapped with a show-cause notice by the SEC yesterday.
In a letter to Jajpur Collector, SEC Secretary RN Sahu said the decision to expel Pramila Mallik from campaigning has been taken by the Commission after careful consideration and reply to the show-cause notice furnished to the legislator.
“The Commission disapproves of the conduct of Mallik, MLA Binjharpur and debars her from campaigning, including interviews, public utterances in media( electronic, print, social media),etc. anywhere in the State of Odisha for a period of 48 hours starting from 10 am of February 14, 2022 in the ensuing General Elections to PRIs,2022," the Commission's letter to Jajpur Collector read.
“The above order of the Commission shall be served upon Smt. Mallik by 8 pm of today,” it added.
It may be recalled that Mallik while campaigning for BJD candidates in her constituency had allegedly threatened to stop providing benefits of various schemes to people if they do not vote for the ruling party in the panchayat polls.