In a letter sent to the leaders of all recognized political parties, the Election Commission has said that Coronavirus cases are increasing rapidly across the country
New Delhi| Days after a petition in the Delhi High Court highlighted VIP culture of evading Covid-19 norms, the Election Commission has given strict instructions to Political parties and leaders campaigning for the Vidhan Sabha elections. The Election Commission (EC) has asked political parties to follow the instructions issued last year regarding Covid-19 seriously. The Commission has made it clear that if political parties do not follow the Coronavirus Guidelines, then their public meetings, rallies will be banned. Action will be taken if the rules are not followed regardless of whether the leader is a star campaigner.
Ironically, the notice comes days after elections are over in three states of Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Union Territory of Puducherry. Moreover, three phases of polling are also concluded in West Bengal- the high stake state.
While the campaigning for the fourth phase is over, the political parties will have to adhere to Coronavirus guidelines while campaigning for the remaining four phases.
Election Commission writes to all national & state parties, asking them to follow all COVID related guidelines during public meetings, rallies & other activities; takes 'serious view of the laxity in maintaining norms, particularly not wearing masks by political leaders on stage' pic.twitter.com/fYS9yfhujy
— ANI (@ANI) April 9, 2021
Threat to crowds attending rallies
In a letter sent to the leaders of all recognized political parties, the Election Commission has said that Coronavirus cases are increasing rapidly across the country. It has been observed that the rules of social distancing, wearing masks are not being followed, bypassing the directives of the Commission during election meetings, campaigning.
In such a situation, along with the leaders and candidates of political parties, there is a danger of infection for the large number of people who participate in the election meeting. People have pointed this out on social media multiple times.
High court has sent notice to EC and Centre
The Delhi High Court sent a notice to the Election Commission and the Centre while hearing a petition filed for compulsory wearing of masks during the election campaign. The court will next hear the case on April 30. The petitioner requested the court to stop campaigners and candidates from campaigning in the assembly elections who are repeatedly violating the Coronavirus Guidelines during the epidemic.
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