ECI writes to Chief Secretaries of all States/UTs to 'prohibit victory celebrations urgently'
The Election Commission had banned victory roadshows and vehicle rallies in view of the steep surge in Covid-19 cases in the country.
As jubilant supporters of various political parties were seen celebrating the election results in various parts of the country, the Election Commission directed state chief secretaries to file FIRs against those violating Covid-19 norms.
"ECI has taken serious note of some reports coming in of congregation (s) of people to celebrate anticipated victory. ECI has directed Chief Secretaries of all five states to file FIR in each such case and suspend SHOs of the concerned Police Stations, and report action taken immediately of each such incidence," the ECI Spokesperson said.
The official informed that the respective State Chief Secretaries have been asked to take immediate action to stop such gatherings.
The Election Commission had banned victory roadshows and vehicle rallies in view of the steep surge in Covid-19 cases in the country.
In view of the surge in Covid-19 cases throughout the country, the Commission has decided to make more stringent provision to be followed during the process of counting, warning "no victory procession after the counting on May 2 shall be permissible".
TMC and DMK workers and supporters were seen celebrating in Kolkata and Chennai respectively as trends showed the parties ahead in the poll race.
It also said that "Not more than two persons shall be allowed to accompany the winning candidate or his/her authorised representative receive the certificate of election from the returning officer concerned."
India reported 3,689 Covid-19 fatalities, pushing the death toll to 2,15,542, while the caseload mounted to 1,95,57,457, with 3,92,488 more people testing positive for the disease, according to the Union health ministry data.
NOTE: Asianet News humbly requests everyone to wear masks, sanitize, maintain social distancing and get vaccinated as soon as eligible. Together we can and will break the chain #ANCares #IndiaFightsCorona