Odisha's Pipili assembly by-poll postponed as Congress candidate dies of COVID-19

The by-election for Odisha's Pipili assembly seat, which was scheduled for April 17, has been postponed till further notice following the death of Congress candidate Ajit Mangaraj.

Mangaraj died of COVID-19 on Wednesday.

"Yesterday evening, Congress candidate Ajit Mangaraj, died of COVID. As per the provision under law, returning officer has issued a notification for adjournment of Pipili by-election. We have intimated to the Election Commission of India regarding this," Odisha Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Sushil Kumar Loh said.

"Election Commission will give a fresh notification and the party whose candidate died will be given another opportunity to file a fresh nomination within seven days of notification issued by Election Commission," he added.

Mangaraj (52), a businessman, had tested positive for the virus on April 10 and was admitted to Bhubaneswar's Apollo Hospital.

( With inputs from ANI )