Coronavirus cases rising, poll rallies not feasible: Covid task force chief VK Paul tells EC

With an unceasing surge in the coronavirus cases in the country, NITI Aayog member and India's Covid Task Force chief VK Paul has told the Election Commission that the current pandemic situation is not feasible for large poll rallies and roadshows.

However, as per a news report, the Election Commission is of the view that political parties should stop large-scale rallies and roadshows on their own.

Also watch | Precautionary dose to be same as the vaccine taken before: Govt

Earlier, the EC had asked the five poll-bound states — Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, Punjab, and Manipur — to ramp up their testing, maximize their vaccination, increase polling stations and prepare for the Assembly elections keeping Covid protocols in mind.

But the ongoing surge in the Covid cases and spread of the Omicron variant has stirred concerns over the conduct of elections at this time.