The Election Commission for India (ECI) on Monday extended the ban on road shows, pad-yatras, cycle/bike/vehicle rallies and processions till 11 February 2022. However, the ECI has announced relaxation in numbers permitted for physical public meetings, indoor meetings and door to door campaigning.
“No roadshows, padyatras, cycle/bike/vehicle rallies and processions shall be allowed till February 11, 2022,” the poll body said in a release.
The decision was taken after Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra along with Election Commissioners Rajiv Kumar and Anup Chandra Pandey held a comprehensive review of the present COVID situation in the poll-bound states of Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh.
The Commission has, however, introduced some relaxations in the numbers permitted for physical public rallies from February 1, by allowing a maximum of 1,000 persons, or 50 percent capacity of the ground, whichever is lesser. Additionally, political parties can now hold indoor meetings with a maximum capacity of 500 people or 50 percent capacity of the hall (whichever is lesser), while 20 people (excluding security personnel) will be allowed at door-to-door campaigns.
The EC asked political parties and contesting candidates to ensure the compliance of COVID-appropriate behaviour and guidelines and Model Code of Conduct at all occasions during the activities connected with elections.
All remaining restrictions mentioned in the guidelines issued on January 8 shall continue to operate.
Polling in Uttar Pradesh’s 403 constituencies will take place in seven phases starting February 10. Manipur with 60 constituencies will vote in two phases on February 27 and March 3. Punjab with 117 constituencies will vote in a single phase on February 20. Uttarakhand with 70 constituencies, and Goa with 40 constituencies, will cast their vote in a single phase on February 14. The counting of votes for all assembly seats in the five states will be held on March 10.
