Election Commission (EC) on Tuesday banned all victory processions during and after the counting of votes on May 2 in the wake of rising Covid-19 cases across 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, in addition to existing Broad Guidelines dated August 21, 2020, and has directed that no victory procession after the counting on May 2, 2021, shall be permissible,” the order issued by Election Commission reads.
It further stated that not more than two persons shall be allowed to accompany the winning candidate or his/her authorised representative to receive the certificate of election from the Returning Officer concerned.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national President JP Nadda welcomed the Election Commission’s order.
“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,” Nadda tweeted.
This comes a day after the Madras High Court came down heavily on the poll body for “not stopping political parties” from violating Covid protocols during their campaign rallies last month.
On Monday, the Madras High Court had criticized the Commission and said it was “the only institution responsible for the situation we are in today”.
