Election Commission eases time limit, attendance cap for rallies

The Election Commission of India has eased most of the restrictions that it had imposed on January 8 when it had announced the dates of assembly elections in states. In the wake of the constant decline in the Covid-19 cases in India, the Commission has decided to give some relaxation for campaigning.

The country seems to be coming out of the impact of the third wave and almost all the states now look in a comfortable situation so far as daily active cases are concerned.

The Commission has said that due to the substantial reduction in Covid-19 cases in India and in those states where elections are scheduled to be held, it has decided to ease the time limit attendance cap.

The Election Commission, in a statement, informed while announcing relaxations for political parties, “As per information received from the Union Health Secretary the ground situation of COVID has significantly improved and the cases are fast receding in the country."

Election candidates can hold Padyatra now but they have to adhere to limitations imposed by the SDMA.

“Padyatra consisting not more than the permitted number of persons as per SDMA limitations and only with the prior permission of district authorities will also be allowed. All other existing provisions related to electioneering shall continue to operate,” the Commission said.