New Delhi, Jan 31 (Representative) The Election Commission on Monday announced that the ban on political rallies will be extended till February 11 in view of Covid-19. A statement issued after a meeting said: “No road shows, padyatras, cycle/bike/vehicle rallies and processions shall be allowed till February 11.” The Commission, however, decided to allow physical public meetings of political parties or contesting candidates in designated open spaces with a maximum of 1,000 persons (instead of existing 500 persons) or 50 per cent of the capacity of the ground, whichever number is lesser, from February 1.
The Commission has also enhanced the limit for door to door campaigns. Instead of 10 persons, now 20 persons, excluding security personnel, will be allowed. Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra along with his deputies Rajiv Kumar and Anup Chandra Pandey held another comprehensive review of the present situation of Covid 19 infection particularly in the states of Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, the statement said.