The Election Commission (EC) Thursday banned roadshows, vehicle rallies, and public meetings of over 500 people in West Bengal, noting that political parties and candidates were “still not adhering to the prescribed safety norms” during campaigning.
Permissions already given for all such events stands withdrawn, the poll body said.
The order, however, continues to permit gatherings of up to 500 people. Asked why the Commission hasn’t banned campaigning altogether, a senior official told a publication, “We can’t impose a ban on campaigning since people in the state are free to move around even today.”
“The cap of 500 people will encourage parties to hold more virtual rallies, which could be relayed to smaller gatherings as opposed to lakhs meeting at one place for a physical rally,” the officer added.
The order notes that the Commission is “anguished” that candidates and parties were refusing to follow Covid-19 protocols, making it difficult for the state and district election machinery to enforce the poll body’s directions properly.
Surjitt Sahani
