Election Commission bans all victory processions on result day amid Covid-19 surge
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has banned all victory processions on or after the result day on May 2, news agency ANI reported. The ECI's decision comes amidst spiralling Covid-19 cases in the country.
Results of Assembly elections held in West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry will be announced on May 2.
The ECI has said that it will ensure all Covid-19 guidelines are followed during the counting process. The poll body is facing flak from different quarters over alleged mismanagement by polling parties during rallies and also during the conduct of polling.
Meanwhile, BJP's national president JP Nadda has welcomed the ECI's order and said that the party will abide by it.
"I welcome the decision of the ECI banning celebrations and processions of electoral victories. I have directed all state units of BJP to strictly adhere to this decision. All karykartas of BJP are using their energies to help the ones in need in this hour of crisis," he tweeted.
Earlier on Monday, the Madras High Court warned that it will stop the counting scheduled on May 2 if the commission does not put in place a blueprint of a plan to ensure following of Covid protocol on the counting day and held it responsible for the Covid surge. The court hear the matter on April 30.
