The Election Commission (EC) today announced new restrictions on electoral campaigning, prohibiting roadshows, pad yatras, and cycle rallies completely; with public meetings allowed for up to 500 people with social distancing.
BREAKING: EC orders curtains on road shows/pad yatras, cycle rallies; public meetings with up to 500 persons allowed with social distancing
— Bharti Jain (@bhartijainTOI) April 22, 2021
The EC also declared that any prior permission given for any roadshow, cycle/bike/vehicle rally, if granted already, stands withdrawn.
Permission for roadshow, cycle/bike/vehicle rallies, if granted already, stands withdrawn: Election Commission of India
— ANI (@ANI) April 22, 2021
ECI also notes “with anguish” that many political parties/candidates are not adhering to prescribed safety norms during public gatherings #WestBengalPolls pic.twitter.com/2tS9XFzGH5
The Commission also acknowledged with anguish that many political parties and candidates are not adhering to the safety norms prescribed by the EC during public gatherings, which is making it difficult for the state/district election machinery to enforce the guidelines.
These new norms regarding bike rallies and public gatherings have already gone into effect as of 7 PM today. Incidentally, today Mamata Banerjee held a major rally in Dakshin Dinajpur, whereas PM Modi decided to cancel all rallies in West Bengal tomorrow in order to chair a high-level meeting reviewing the COVID-19 situations.
