After the number of Covid cases in India is crossing 1.5 lakh cases on daily basis, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has banned all the physical rallies, roadshows and padyatras. The ban is till 15th January owing to the sudden surge in Covid-19 cases in parts of the nation. Nonetheless, Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra said that the poll authority will review the situation on 15th January and then take a call on whether to extend the ban or not.

On a serious note, the CEC said that the poll body will take action against officials who fail to act against violations. The CEC further added that the Chief Secretary or District Magistrate will be personally responsible for ensuring that all the Covid-related protocols are followed. The CEC has warned that any act of disregarding or disobeying the guidelines might result in the cancellation of the rally and even a ban on further rallies by that party or that candidate. 

CEC Sushil Chandra said that political parties have been asked to provide masks and hand sanitizers to people attending physical rallies if they are allowed again. The Election Commission has also banned victory celebrations, adding that only two people will be allowed to accompany the candidate to collect the winning certificate.