EC extends ban on political rallies till Jan 22 amid rising COVID cases

The restriction on rallies and promotional events in five states ahead of elections, which was imposed last week after COVID cases rose sharply, has been extended till January 22, according to the Election Commission.  Indoor political gatherings, on the other hand, will be permitted up to 300 persons, or 50% of the hall's capacity, or the state's disaster management authority's limit.  The top polling body announced on January 8 that rallies, roadshows, and other types of political gatherings, including indoors and outdoors, would be prohibited until January 15, after which the decision will be reconsidered.