Political parties adopt to new normal as offices resume post unlock 1.0

Ranchi: The state headquarters of the different political parties here are starting to buzz again in the run up to the forthcoming Rajya Sabha polls on June 19, but that has not led to a dilution of social-distancing protocols and other hygiene norms being followed at those offices.
At the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) office in Bariatu, party general secretary Supriyo Bhattacharjee said that thermal scanning has been made a must for all those entering the premises. The same is true for the BJP headquarters in Harmu. JMM’s ally Congress, however, is in the process of acquiring thermal guns, said party office bearers.
Talking to TOI, Bhattacharjee said, “Our office resumed after Unlock 1.0 came into force on June 1. We are following all hygiene norms — from making masks compulsory to maintaining physical distance. The office is being cleaned multiple times and hand-sanitiser dispensing machines have also been installed.”
Congress, too, have put in place all these provisions apart from the thermal scanners. Congress spokesperson Lal Kishorenath Shahdeo said, “No one can enter our office without wearing a mask, also we are keeping social-distancing norms in mind while allocating seats.” Another spokesperson Alok Dubey said, “We shall soon get thermal guns for the state headquarters.” Dubey added they are also depending on technology to conduct meetings. He said, “For instance, our Jharkhand in-charge RPN Singh held an online review meeting with senior members on Monday. Only those who are required at the office here are being allowed at the premises.”
At the BJP office, a sanitiser-dispensing machine has been installed at the entrance. Party spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo said, “The machine can be operated by using legs and has been procured from local markets. Inside the office, sanitisers are being kept at all key places, including in conference rooms.”
The BJP spokesperson added, “We have closed the rear gate of the party office. During the meetings, social-distancing rules are being followed. Meeting rooms and toilets, among others, are being sanitised every couple of hours.”