EC imposes host of restrictions, no rallies till Jan 15

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Saturday said no political rallies, roadshows or street corner meets will be allowed till January 15, as it announced the poll schedule for five states and clamped restrictions to check the spread of Covid-19 during the high-stakes political battle.

Political parties must focus on virtual rallies rather than large in-person gatherings, the Election Commission, headed by Sushil Chandra, said. “The decision has been taken after much deliberation with all stakeholders,” Chandra said as he announced the election dates on Saturday.

“No roadshow, pad-yatra, cycle, bike, vehicle rally and procession shall be allowed till January 15. The commission shall subsequently review the situation and issue further instructions accordingly,” the poll watchdog said in its advisory.

A call on the political gatherings will be taken after January 15 depending on the dynamic situation of the pandemic’s third national wave, Chandra said. He said the duration of polling will be extended by an hour amid the Covid restrictions.

The elections for five assemblies in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur will be held in seven phases from February 10. The results will be declared on March 10.

Other containment measures include curbs on the number of vehicles accompanying a candidate for the submission of nomination, which will be restricted to two instead of five. The chambers of returning officers should have sufficient space to perform the functions of nomination,