New Delhi: With the election fever gripping in poll-bound states, the decision of the Election Commission (EC) allowing parties to use video vans in campaigning comes with a series of stringent dos and don'ts, including that the vehicle cannot stop at any "viewing point" for more than 30 minutes.
The EC has already extended the ban on physical election rallies till January 31 to contain the spread of Covid-19 but allowed video vans for publicity with usual Covid-19 restrictions at designated open spaces with a maximum of 500 viewers.
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Check Do’s and Don’ts For Election Campaigns
Stating that video van events should not cause inconvenience to the people, the EC clearly noted it should not be a hindrance to smooth flow of traffic, according to the news agency PTI.
On Saturday, the EC allowed use of video vans but issued instructions to its chief electoral officers on the use of such vehicles for campaigning by parties.
"The video van of the political party should be used to propagate its programme and policies to seek votes. Votes or support for of any particular candidate should not be solicited," the EC letter to the CEOs stated.
However, if the video van is used for seeking votes or support for a candidate, then the expenditure of the video van should be accounted for by such candidate appropriately.
"Expenditure observers to closely monitor this," the letter underlined.
All such vans will be operational between 8 AM and 8 PM and these vehicles cannot be used for rallies and roadshows.
The EC has also barred parties from displaying their campaigning material through these vehicles in market areas or crowded places.
The parties will be responsible to ensure that the maximum stoppage for viewing of the vehicle at any location is not more than 30 minutes.
Assembly polls are scheduled to be held in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Manipur, Goa and Uttarakhand.