EC Extends Ban On Rallies Till Feb 11; Allows Outdoor Meetings With 1,000 People
Mumbai: The Election Commission of India on Monday extended the ban on political rallies, roadshows till February 11 in five poll-bound states.
However, the commission allowed physical public meetings of political parties or contesting candidates in designated open spaces with a maximum of 1000 persons, instead of the existing 500 persons or 50 per cent of the capacity of the ground or the prescribed limit set by SDMA, whichever number is lesser, from February 1 for all phases.
“No roadshows, padayatra, cycle/bike/vehicle rallies and processions shall be allowed till February 11, 2022,” the poll body said in a release.
Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra took this decision after a comprehensive review of the current COVID situation in the electoral states of Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh along with Election Commissioners Rajiv Kumar and Anoop Chandra Pandey.
The Election Commission also increased the door-to-door campaign limit from 10 to 20. “Instead of 10 people, except the security personnel, 20 people will for door-to-door campaigns. Other instructions on door-to-door campaigns will continue,” the release added.
The election body allowed relaxation for political parties to the extent that an indoor meeting of a maximum of 500 persons or 50 per cent of the hall’s capacity, or the limit prescribed by the SDMA, is allowed instead of the existing 300 persons.
The Election Commission asked political parties and contesting candidates to ensure compliance with guidelines and model code of conduct for COVID-appropriate behaviour on all occasions during election-related activities.
All remaining restrictions mentioned in the guidelines issued on January 8 will remain in force.
CEC Chandra stressed that in view of relaxation of restrictions for physical rallies, indoor/outdoor meetings, door-to-door campaigning, the feasibility of implementation of orders by field level functionaries should be ensured in view of the prevailing situation.
The virtual meeting was also attended by the Union Health Ministry’s Secretary, the chief secretaries and the chief electoral officers of the five states.
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