Amid a surge in COVID-19 cases, the Election Commission on Saturday extended its ban on physical rallies and roadshows until January 22 in the five poll-bound states, saying it will subsequently review the situation and issue fresh instructions.
he poll panel, however, granted a relaxation for the political parties to the extent that indoor meetings of maximum 300 people or 50 per cent of the capacity of the hall, or the prescribed limit set by state disaster management authorities can be held, an official statement said.The EC said it took the decision after considering the present situation, facts and circumstances, as also the inputs received in the virtual meetings it held on Saturday with the Union health ministry, chief secretaries and health secretaries and the chief electoral officers of the poll-going states.”No roadshows, padyatras, cycle, bike, vehicle rally and processions shall be allowed till 22 January, 2022. Commission shall subsequently review the situation and issue further instructions accordingly,” the statement said.
No physical rally of political parties or candidates, including probable candidates, or any other group related to election will be allowed till 22 January, it said.However, the Commission said “indoor meetings of maximum of 300 persons or 50 per cent of the capacity of the hall” or the prescribed limit set by state disaster management authorities (SDMA) will be allowed.The poll watchdog directed political parties to ensure the compliance of Covid- appropriate behaviour and guidelines and Model Code of Conduct during the activities connected with elections.On Friday, the SP held at a large public meeting in the compound of the party office in Lucknow, defying Covid norms.
