EC imposes ban on physical rallies and roadshows till January 15 amid COVID-19 surge

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has banned all physical rallies, roadshows, and padyatras till January 15 owing to the surge in Covid-19 cases in parts of the country. However, Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra said the poll authority will review the situation on January 15 and take a call on whether or not to extend the ban.

In a stern message, the CEC said that the poll body will take action against officials who fail to act against violations. The Chief Secretary or District Magistrate will be personally responsible for ensuring that all Covid-related protocols are followed, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) said.

The CEC has warned that any act



of disregarding the guidelines might result in the cancellation of the rally and even a ban on further rallies by that candidate or party. There will be a strict vigil on social media, he added.

The Election Commission also set out stringent COVID guidelines, restricting the number of persons allowed for door-to-door campaigns to five.

Political parties have been asked to provide masks and hand sanitizers to people attending physical rallies if they are allowed again, Chandra said.

The Election Commission has also banned victory celebrations, adding that only two persons will be allowed to accompany the candidate to collect the winning certificate.