Election Commission has extended the ban on physical rallies and roadshows till January 31 in the five poll-going states, but allowed public meetings with a maximum of 500 people in the constituencies going to poll in the first two phases and relaxed door-to-door campaign rules.
n a statement, it said the limit of five persons for door-to-door campaign has now been enhanced to 10 persons, excluding security personnel.
For the phase 1 polling on February 10, political parties and contesting candidates can hold “physical public meetings” with a cap of 500 people from January 28. For the phase 2 polling on February 14, such meetings can be held from February 1.
Video vans for publicity have also been permitted at designated open spaces with COVID-19 restrictions.
Announcing the dates for elections in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, Punjab and Manipur on January 8, the poll panel had announced a ban on physical rallies, roadshows and bike rallies and similar campaign events till January 15.
On January 15, the commission extended the ban until January 22.
It had, however, granted a relaxation for political parties to hold indoor meetings of maximum 300 people or 50 per cent of the capacity of the hall.
After considering the present situation, facts and circumstances, as also the inputs received in a series of virtual meets on Saturday, the Commission said it has decided that no roadshows, padayatras, cycle, bike or vehicle rallies and procession will be allowed till January 31.
