Bhubaneswar/New Delhi: With a rapid surge in COVID infection in Odisha, the By-election to the Pipili Assembly constituency scheduled to be held on May 16 has been deferred by the Election Commission of India.
A notification in this connection issued by the ECI stated that, “After taking all material facts and inputs of CEO Odisha in consideration and taking note of lockdown/restrictions under Disaster Management Act, 2005, as issued by NDMA/SDMA, the Commission has decided to defer the scheduled poll and extend the period of elections in 110-Pipli Assembly Constituency of Odisha.”
The Commission has also directed to lift the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in the Assembly Constituency with immediate effect. It will be in operation from next date of notification.
It is worthwhile to mention here that, the ECI has also deferred the Bypoll at Jangipur & Samserganj Assembly constituencies of West Bengal too.
Fresh notification will be issued after assessing the pandemic situation, the Commission noted.
(Edited By Suryakant Jena)