Bhubaneswar: The model code of conduct (MCC) that came into force on March 16 with the announcement of the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Odisha has been officially lifted. This announcement follows the declaration of results for the Lok Sabha elections and the assembly polls in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh, along with several assembly by-polls.
In a communication to the Union Cabinet Secretary and state chief secretaries, the Election Commission of India (ECI) stated that the MCC has ceased to be in operation with immediate effect. The MCC, which was imposed on March 16, is enforced from the date of the election schedule announcement by the ECI and remains in effect until the completion of the election process.
In a related development, Chief Electoral Officer of Odisha, Nikunja Bihari Dhal, presented the results of the recently concluded Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections to Odisha Governor Raghubar Das at the Raj Bhavan on Thursday. During this meeting, the CEO also handed over the notification regarding the constitution of the newly elected Odisha Legislative Assembly to the Governor.
Officials from the Election Commission of India were also present on this occasion. The Governor expressed his gratitude to the CEO and other officials for ensuring the smooth conduct of the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Odisha.
The lifting of the MCC marks the end of the election process, allowing the newly elected representatives to begin their duties and the state to move forward with governance and development initiatives.
