Jubilee News Desk
The Election Commission of India Monday extended ban on road shows, Pad-yatras, cycle/bike/vehicle rallies and processions till February 11. However there will be relaxation in numbers permitted for physical public meetings, indoor meetings and door to door campaigning
Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra along with Election Commissioners Rajiv Kumar and Anup Chandra Pandey held another comprehensive review of the present situation of Covid 19 infection particularly in the states of Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh.
All the state chief secretaries informed the Commission about reports of Covid 19 infection either plateauing out or tapering as on date. They also said that the positivity rate is showing a decline with the number of hospitalisation cases also registering a declining trend.After taking into consideration inputs, facts and circumstances and ground reports from state officers commission decided no road shows, Pad-yatras, cycle/bike/vehicle rallies and processions shall be allowed till February 11.
Commission has now decided to allow physical public meetings of Political parties or contesting candidates in designated open spaces with a maximum of 1000 persons (instead of existing 500 persons) or 50% of the capacity of the ground or the prescribed limit set by SDMA, whichever number is lesser, from February 1for all phases.
The Commission has also enhanced the limit for door to door campaigns. Instead of 10 persons, now 20 persons, excluding security personnel, will be allowed for door to door campaigns. Other instructions on door to door campaigns will continue.
Political parties and contesting candidates shall ensure the compliance of COVID appropriate behaviour and guidelines and Model Code of Conduct at all occasions during the activities connected with elections.