In a letter to states, the EC expressed concerns over low percentage of first dose inoculation in Manipur.

Expressing concerns over rising Covid-19 cases, the Chief Election Commission of India on Monday asked the chief secretaries of 5 poll-bound states to ‘accelerate’ their vaccination programme to cover all eligible citizens, amid indications that polling dates may be announced anytime soon.

Add Asianet Newsable as a Preferred SourcegooglePreferred

The stage is set for Assembly elections in five states -- Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Goa and Punjab. While the first four are ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party, the last one has a Congress government. Although the dates are yet to be announced, all political parties have started flexing their muscles in the poll-bound states.

In a letter to states, the EC expressed concerns over the low percentage of first dose inoculation in Manipur.

Earlier, the Union Health Ministry had issued a statement, saying the Centre has reviewed public health response measures and vaccination status with the poll-bound states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, Punjab and Manipur. The ministry has advised ramping up vaccination of all eligible population through a district-wise weekly plan with daily review, according to the statement.