Explain large gathering at your Lucknow office: EC to SP

The Election Commission of India has issued a notice to the Samajwadi Party and asked it to explain the violation of its order by holding a public meeting at its Lucknow office which was attended by hundreds of party supporters.

The Election Commission has banned all public rallies in the states in the wake of the rising infection due to Omicron and the gathering has violated the norms. The Commission has taken cognizance after video footage showed a large gathering of people.

The Commission has extended this ban till January 22 in the latest directive issued on January 15.

The Samajwadi Party had earlier said that it would hold a virtual rally to welcome BJP leaders who shifted loyalty to SP now. The video footage that has emerged of the event shows that hundreds of people had gathered at the event in violation of Covid-19 norms. There was no social distancing among them and the majority of them hadn’t worn even a mask.

A notice from the Election Commission of India addressed to the Samajwadi Party general secretary asked for an explanation within 24 hours. It said, “Your explanation shall reach the Commission within 24 hours of receipt of this notice, failing which the Commission shall take appropriate decision in the matter without further reference to you."

The Election Commission has announced the date of the Uttar Pradesh Election and according to the schedule, assembly elections will be held from February 10 to March 7 in the state.