BJP's Himanta Sarma Challenges 48-Hour Campaign Ban In Gauhati High Court

The Election Commission issued its order late Friday night, after it upheld a complaint by the Congress

Assam minister and senior BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma - who was last night given a 48-hour ban on campaigning ahead of the third and final phase of Assembly elections in the state - has moved the Gauhati High Court against that order. The hearing is expected to take place in some time. The Election Commission issued its order late Friday night, after it upheld a complaint by the Congress; the party said Mr Sarma had openly threatened to send Hagrama Mohilary - whose BPF (Bodoland People's Front) is a member of the opposition alliance - to jail by misusing the NIA The ban came into effect from last night and effectively meant Mr Sarma - who is the BJP's main poll strategist and has been listed as a 'star campaigner' - could no longer campaign in this election.