The Election Commission has extended the ban on road shows, Pad-yatras, vehicle rallies and processions till 11th February. Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra along with Election Commissioners Rajiv Kumar and Anup Chandra Pandey on Monday held another comprehensive review of the present situation of COVID 19 infection particularly in the states of Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. During the meeting, all the Chief secretaries of these states informed the Commission that the positivity rate is showing a decline with the number of hospitalisation cases also registering a declining trend.
The Commission has now decided to allow physical public meetings of Political parties or contesting candidates in designated open spaces with a maximum of one thousand persons, instead of existing five hundred persons or 50 per cent of the capacity of the ground from tomorrow for all phases. The Commission has also enhanced the limit for door to door campaigns. Instead of ten persons, now 20 persons, excluding security personnel, will be allowed for door to door campaigns. It has now granted relaxation for the political parties to the extent that indoor meetings of a maximum of 500 persons, instead of existing three hundred persons or 50 per cent of the capacity of the hall is allowed. The Commission has said that all Political parties and contesting candidates shall ensure the compliance of COVID appropriate behaviour and guidelines and Model Code of Conduct at all occasions.
