EC Eases Covid Curbs, Roadshows And Rallies Can Be Held At Full Capacity

EC on Political Rallies: Election Commission has given a big relief to political parties for the remaining phases of the ongoing assembly elections.

New Delhi: In view of the flattening curve of COVID-19 infections, the election commission on Tuesday eased restrictions, allowed roadshows with the prior permission of district authorities.

"50% cap on meetings, rallies, roadshows of political parties, candidates has been relaxed now. Commission now allows roadshows subject to SDMA regulations & with the prior permission of dist authorities. Other existing provisions related to electioneering shall continue to operate," said EC as quoted by news agency ANI.

According to the revised guidelines – 50 percent attendance limit applicable on road shows, padyatras, cycle, bike, vehicle rallies or processions has been abolished. 

Political parties and candidates will now be able to campaign from 6 am to 10 pm. However, during this time they will have to follow the protocol and other conditions related to COVID.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh will go to the polls for the fourth phase on Wednesday. In this phase, votes will be cast in 59 seats in 9 districts of the state. The districts where votes are to be cast are Lucknow, Pilibhit, Lakhimpur Kheri, Sitapur, Hardoi, Unnao, Rae Bareli, Fatehpur, and Banda.