Amid a huge COVID-19 surge in India, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has banned all victory processions on or after the counting of votes for the assembly elections in five states that will be declared on May 2.
The poll watchdog also said that 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.
The order copy by the Election Commission read, “In view of the surge in COVID 19 cases throughout the country, the Commission has decided to make more stringent provision to be followed during the process of Counting, in addition to exiting Broad Guidelines dated 21st August, 2020 and has directed that no victory procession after the counting on 2.5.2021 shall be permissible.”
No #victoryprocession after the counting on 2nd May shall be permissible. Not more than 2 persons shall be allowed to accompany the winning candidate or his/her authorised representative receive the certificate of election from the Returning Officer concerned: EC pic.twitter.com/86rrxm84fO
— NewsMobile (@NewsMobileIndia) April 27, 2021
Last week, the poll body had banned all roadshows, padyatras and vehicle rallies in Bengal. The decision comes after the Madras High Court on Monday slammed the Election Commission over the COVID-19 second wave in the country, holding it ‘singularly’ responsible for the spread, called it the “the most irresponsible institution” and even said its officials may be booked under murder charges.
The court had also asked the EC to prepare a blueprint of how COVID protocol will be followed on the day of counting.
Meanwhile, India reported 3,23,144 new COVID-19 cases, 2,771 deaths and 2,51,827 discharges in the last 24 hours, as per Union Health Ministry.