New Delhi, 31st January: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday extended restrictions imposed on roadshows and large rallies for campaigning in the wake of Covid-19 in five electoral states.
However, a limited number of public meetings can be held up to a thousand and 20 people can go door-to-door campaigning.
Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra held a comprehensive review meeting on the subject with Election Commissioners Rajeev Kumar and Anoop Chandra Pandey today.
He also held discussions with the Health Secretaries and Chief Secretaries of the states of Punjab, Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Manipur and Uttarakhand.
In a press release, the ECI said that there will be a complete ban on roadshowa, big rallies and public processions till February 11. From February 1, public meetings and meetings can be held at a limited number of 1,000 open spaces for each phase. It should also be ensured that aggregation takes place only at 50 percent of the capacity of the place and the number as per local COVID rules remains the same.
Political parties can hold meetings up to the number of 500 in closed places. Earlier this number was limited to 300. The commission had earlier restricted door-to-door campaigning to 10 numbers, now 20 people can do such campaigning. There will be additional security personnel in this.
Political parties and candidates have been asked to follow the COVID rules. Along with this, the District Election Officers have been asked to keep a special watch on this.
