PANJIM: North Goa District Collector has banned all physical rallies of political parties and candidates till Monday, January 31, following directions from the Election Commission of India (ECI).
In an order issued, North Collector Ajit Roy said that in order to control the spread of the COVID pandemic, no road show, pad-yatra, cycle/bike/vehicle rally and processions will be allowed till January 31.
As against earlier restriction of five people, the door-to-door campaigning is now allowed with a maximum of 10 persons including candidates (excluding security personnel).
“Political parties, candidates, their party workers, shall ensure the compliance of Covid appropriate behaviour and guidelines and Model Code of Conduct at all occasions during the activities connected with the election,” the order stated.
Further, public gatherings in case of indoor halls shall be restricted to a maximum of 300 persons or 50% of the capacity of the hall whichever is less.
Also, political parties and candidates are directed to conduct their campaigns as much as possible through virtual and digital media platforms and no outdoor campaining shall be allowed and no campaign is permitted between 8.00 p.m. and 8.00 a.m.
All remaining restrictions as contained in the Revised Broad Guidelines for Conduct of Election 2022, issued on January 8, and January 15, 2022 shall continue.
Collector has directed concerned officers to file FIR against those failing to comply with the order.
