Election Commission extends ban on physical rallies, roadshows till Jan31

New Delhi: The Election Commission has extended ban on physical rallies and roadshows till 31st of this month. The Commission yesterday held a review meeting with the Union Health Secretary through virtual mode. The Commission also held virtual meetings with Chief Secretaries, Chief Electoral Officers and Health Secretaries of Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh.

Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra along with Election Commissioners Rajiv Kumar and Anup Chandra Pandey held a comprehensive review of the present situation with respect to status and projected trends of COVID pandemic in the five poll going states. The Commission deliberated on relaxing restrictions for physical rallies in the wake of prevailing situation.

After considering the present situation, facts and circumstances as also the inputs received in these meetings, the Commission has decided that no road show, Pad-yatra, cycle or bike or vehicle rally and procession shall be allowed till 31st of this month.