Assembly Polls In 5 States: EC Extends Ban On Rallies & Roadshows

New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has extended the ban on physical rallies and roadshows till January 22.

It has, however, allowed political parties to hold indoor meetings with a maximum of 300 persons or 50 per cent of the capacity of the hall or the prescribed limit set by SDMA (State Disaster Management Authority).

“ECI directs political parties to adhere to the provisions of MCC (Model Code of Conduct) and the broad guidelines of COVID. ECI directs State/ District Administration to ensure compliance of all instructions related to MCC and COVID,” it further tweeted.

Announcing the schedule for assembly polls in the five states, the ECI on January 8 had listed 16-point guidelines for campaigning, in view of the COVID resurgence in the country, and these included a ban on public rallies, roadshows, padayatra (foot march), or procession of any kind till January 15.

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Assembly polls in the five states will be held in seven phases between February 10 and March 7. The votes will be counted on March 10.