The Election Commission on Saturday extended the ban on political rallies, roadshows, padyatras, cycle rallies and processions till January 31, saying that the curbs on other political events will be revoked only if Covid situation improves.
It said the commission will review all instructions at a subsequent date, but it did not specify the date.
The decision, impairing the campaign by political parties in five poll-bound states of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur, was taken after online consultations with the Union Health Secretary as well as the chief secretaries and health secretaries of the five states.
The EC, however, allowed physical public meetings of political parties and candidates in the first two rounds of polls from January 28 in constituencies going to polls on February 10 and from February 1 in those going to polls on February 14.
The relaxation concerns the candidates to be finalised on January 27 and 31, respectively. These public meetings will be allowed in designated open spaces with a maximum of 500 persons or 50% of the ground capacity or limits prescribed by the state disaster management authorities.
The ceiling of five persons for the door-to-door campaign has been also enhanced to 10.
The EC has also allowed video vans for publicity with usual COVID restrictions at designated open spaces with a maximum of 500 viewers or 50 % of the capacity or the limit set by SDMA, whichever number is lesser, subject to public convenience and no hindrance to smooth flow of traffic.
It put the responsibility on the DEO (district election officers) concerned to identify and to notify the designated spaces in advance for public meetings and other aforesaid purposes.
