New Delhi:
The Election Commission of India on Monday again extended the ban on rallies till February 11 in five poll-bound states in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.
“No road shows, Pad-yatras, cycle/bike/vehicle rallies and processions shall be allowed till February 11, 2022. 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 per cent of the capacity of the ground or the prescribed limit set by SDMA, whichever number is lesser, from February 1, 2022 for all phases,” read a statement.
“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,” the statement added.
Moreover, the Election Commission has granted relaxation for the political parties to the extent that indoor meetings of a maximum of 500 persons — instead of existing 300 persons — or 50 per cent of the capacity of the hall or the prescribed limit set by SDMA is allowed.
Earlier on January 22, the poll body had extended the ban on physical rallies and roadshows till January 31.
On January 8, the Election Commission had directed that no physical political rallies and roadshows will be allowed till January 15 for Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Goa, Manipur and Uttarakhand.
As many as 403 Assembly seats are slated to go to polls in Uttar Pradesh, 70 seats are up for grabs in Uttarakhand, 117 seats in Punjab, 40 seats in Goa and 60 seats in Manipur. The counting of votes will take place on March 10.
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