In a brazen violation of all COVID-19 protocols, political parties have been guilty of campaigning vigorously, maskless, holding massive roadshows and rallies with thousands of people in attendance.
With the worrying trend of rising COVID-19 cases in states including West Bengal, Chief Minister and TMC Supremo Mamata Banerjee urged the Election Commission to conduct the remaining phases in one go to avoid further exposure to the virus. The Election Commission, however, has categorically denied clubbing the remaining phases and clarified that polling will go on as per schedule.
Amid an ongoing pandemic, we firmly opposed @ECISVEEP's decision to conduct WB polls in 8 phases.
Now, in view of the huge surge in #COVID19 cases, I urge the ECI to consider holding the remaining phases in ONE go. This will protect the people from further exposure to #COVID19.
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) April 15, 2021
Preparations are on the verge of completion for the fifth phase which takes place on April 17. Out of the total 8 phases, West Bengal has already completed elections in four of them (135 seats) with the remaining phases scheduled for 17th, 22nd, 26th, and 29th April.
Also Read: After HC Order On Covid Protocols, EC Calls All-Party Meeting Tomorrow In Kolkata
In a brazen violation of all COVID-19 protocols, political parties have been guilty of campaigning vigorously, maskless, holding massive roadshows and rallies with thousands of people in attendance.
The Chief Electoral Officer has called an all-party meeting today to reiterate instructions on campaigning amid the pandemic and encourage more virtual rallies for the remaining phases of the Assembly elections. The meeting has been called at the behest of the Election Commission (EC). Last week, the poll panel had also warned all political parties that it will not hesitate to ban rallies and meetings if precautions are not adhered to.
West Bengal reported 6769 cases, 22 deaths, and close to 37000 active cases while India reported 2,17,353 confirmed cases on Friday.
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