The Election Commission on Saturday curbed the 48-hour campaign ban which was levied on Assam minister and BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma to 24 hours after he assured the poll panel to abide by the provisions of the model code of conduct.

Sarma, on Friday was initially barred from campaigning related activities till April 4 for allegedly making outrageous remarks against Bodoland People's Front chief Hagrama Mohilary.

The Bodoland People's Front is an ally of the Congress in Assam. It was previously with the BJP.

The canvassing activities for the third and final phase of the Assam assembly polls comes to an end on the evening of April 4. The final phase of polling will be held on April 6.

In his representation to the Election Commission, Sarma had pleaded for the reduction of the ban on the grounds that he is himself a candidate in the constituency which is scheduled to go for polls on April 6.

According to the order of the poll panel, the commission has decided to modify its April 2 order and reduce the period of debarment from election campaign from 48 hours to 24 hours "to the effect that permission may be granted for holding any public meetings, public processions, public rallies, road shows, by the concerned district administration authorities, where you are expected or likely to participate."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing a rally at Assam's Tamulpur on Saturday said that Assam has decided to go for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government as they are against violence, for development, peace, unity and stability.

The people have rejected parties attacking the identity of Assam for decades, PM Modi also said in a veiled attack on the opposition while addressing a public meeting in Tamulpur in the run-up to the northeastern state's final phase of polling.

"To keep the pace of this growth, progress and development, the NDA government is very crucial," the Prime Minister said.

Thousands of kilometres of railway lines have been set up or inaugurated in the state in the last five years and various bridges have been developed, he said.

PM Modi also referred to the Centre's allotment of ₹1,000 crore for the tea garden workers in the state, with respect to which he mentioned that the Congress has always created impediments, while the 'double-engine' government he said always worked in the interest of the workers.

Modi jibed at the erstwhile Congress-led government for 'bomb' and 'bandook' centered governance and said the NDA government will bring peace and development to the state.

"The way we have solved long-standing problems, we will continue to find solutions for the current problems. There's a lot of scope for tourism and employment in Assam," Modi said.

In addition, the Prime Minister urged the people to come out wholeheartedly and participate in the voting process in large numbers in the final phase and reject the ‘Mahajot's mahajhoot' and ensure the victory of the NDA government in the state.

Image courtesy: ANI