EC extends physical rallies ban till 22 Jan

Election Commission of India (ECI) extended the prohibition on physical demonstrations till 22nd Jan, ahead of Assembly elections in five states amid quickly mounting COVID-19 cases. This follows a discussion between Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan and Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra's team.

The ECI delegation was briefed on the COVID-19 situation by the Union Health Secretary, who said that cases are fast increasing. According to sources, a conference with the top authorities of the five election states is also taking place.

Omicron is not as hazardous as the previous form Delta, according to the Health Secretary, but it is nonetheless spreading quickly. As a result, the Secretary agreed to the ECI's previous restriction on physical demonstrations.

In addition, the Ministry of Health had advised the Commission to take severe decisions in light of the current situation.

The ECI has also asked the Chief Secretaries of the five electoral states to closely implement the COVID-19 protocol, according to sources. According to sources, the meeting with the Chief Electoral Officers of the five states would be over soon.

Furthermore, the Commission issued 16 campaigning guidelines, including prohibiting 'nukkad sabhas' (corner meetings) on public roads and roundabouts, limiting the number of people allowed to campaign door-to-door to five, including the candidate, and prohibiting victory processions after the votes were counted.