AAP, BJP Celebrate As Election Commission Lifts Ban On Victory Processions

Picture courtesy Hindustan Times

New Delhi: Workers of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab and BJP in UP took to the streets in big numbers to celebrate the respective parties’ wins in state assembly polls after Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday lifted the blanket ban on victory processions.

ECI, while announcing the poll schedule for five states – UP, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur — on January 8, had imposed several restrictions amid the third wave of COVID-19 pandemic, including a ban on victory processions.

Political rallies, roadshows and street corner meetings were also barred as ECI told parties to campaign through virtual rallies. ECI reviewed the situation from time to time, and relaxed these restrictions gradually.

After its latest review, the commission allowed victory processions on a day when votes are being counted in all five states — but subject to state disaster management guidelines.

The country reported 4,184 fresh COVID-19 cases on Thursday, compared to 141,506 cases reported on January 8.