KOLKATA: In wake of a surge in COVID-19 cases across the country, the Election Commission (EC) on Tuesday banned all kinds of victory processions during and after the counting of votes on May 2. The poll panel has also put a cap on the number of people permitted to accompany the winning candidate to receive the election certificate to two.
"Not more than two persons shall be allowed to accompany the winning candidate of his/her authorised representative to receive the certificate of election from the Returning Officer concerned," read a statement issued by the Commission. The order of the Commission will be effective not only for Bengal but also for Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam and Puducherry (Union Territory).
The ban came a day after the Madras High Court came down heavily upon the EC blaming the poll panel for the pandemic's second wave.
In Bengal, the counting will be conducted in 705 halls to maintain physical distancing and other health protocols related to the management of COVID-19. Mask, sanitisers and face shields will be made compulsory for all in the counting venues. There will be a temperature check at the entry point in all the venues.
"During the last Assembly elections, counting was held in 385 halls. We have doubled the counting venues. The blueprint is expected to be finalised in a day or two after holding a video conference with the district election officers (DEOs)," a senior official of the state CEO office said.
The Commission has decided to deploy 218 companies for Central forces during the counting process.
Meanwhile, reacting to the restrictions, TMC leader Saugata Ray said if the same could be implemented by the Election Commission in the right spirit, then it was a good decision. "The poll panel should also emphasise upon conducting the counting process in a peaceful manner," he added.