The Election Commission on Friday revoked the “star campaigner” status of Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath taking serious note of breach of “ethical and dignified behaviour” and repeated violations of the model code during campaign for the bypolls in 28 Assembly constituencies in the state.

In an order, the commission said, “...for repeated violation of Model Code of Conduct and for completely disregarding the advisory issued to him, the Commission hereby revokes the status of leader of political party (star campaigner) of Kamal Nath, ex-chief minister, Madhya Pradesh, with immediate effect for the current byelections of Legislative Assembly of Madhya Pradesh.”

It said no permission will be granted by authorities to Nath as a star campaigner. “However, if any campaign is done by Kamal Nath from now onwards, the entire expenditure related to travel, stay and visit will be completely borne by the candidate in whose constituency he carries out campaigning,” it said. While the political party pays for the expenditure of a star campaigner, the candidate pays for the expenditure of other campaigners.

Last week, the EC had asked Nath not to use words like “item”, a jibe used to hit out at state minister and BJP candidate Imarti Devi at a rally.