The decision came after the Madras High Court yesterday accused the election body of a “wanton disregard” and “silence” over political campaigns that breached the Covid rules.
Amid the second wave of Covid-19 sweeping the country, the Election Commission today announced it has banned all victory processions on the day of — or even after — counting of votes (May 2) polled to the five states in the past few weeks amid a COVID-19 surge. Legislative assembly elections took place in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, Assam, and Puducherry in eight phases, beginning March 27. The final phase of the West Bengal assembly election is scheduled for April 29.
“Not more than two persons shall be allowed to accompany the winning candidate or his/her authorised representative receive the certificate of election from the Returning Officer concerned,” an Election Commission notification said today.
The decision came after the Madras High Court yesterday accused the election body of a “wanton disregard” and “silence” over political campaigns that breached the Covid rules, and said that “at no cost can counting become a catalyst for a further surge”.
“Your institution is singularly responsible for the second wave of COVID-19. Your officers should be booked on murder charges probably…Were you on another planet when the election rallies were held?” the court told Ec earlier in the day during the arguments.
The HC also sought a plan to enforce Covid rules on May 2 — the day of the results — by Friday. The High Court said that without the plan, the counting could also be stopped.
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