The Election Commission issued a warning to the Samajwadi Party byu noticing the violation of Covid-19 regulations on Saturday by holding a public meeting “in the name of virtual rally” at the party’s headquarters at Lucknow. The poll panel has decided to provide the party an opportunity to defend its stance on the “violations” that transpired on Friday in the run-up to the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, according to the notice, after analysing the available evidence and extant directions in the case.
Read also- Observers are eyes and ears of Election Commission: CEC Chandra
The poll panel has asked the SP to clarify its position on the infringement of the MCC and Covid- 19 rules within 24 hours of receiving the notice, failing which the Commission will take appropriate action without further consultation with the SP.
Read also- Iran works to end UN voting rights suspension
ECI secretary Ajoy Kumar wrote in a letter to the SP’s general secretary that the Commission had declared the date for the UP assembly poll on January 8. The election commission also agreed on Saturday to prolong the ban on public rallies and roadshows until January 22. In light of the escalating number of Covid-19 instances, the Election Commission decided to ban public rallies, roadshows, and similar physical campaigning events conducted by the political parties.
