Kolkata: The Municipal body elections in Bengal have been deferred in wake of Coronavirus outbreak, said the State Election Commission (SEC) on Monday. The decision was taken at an all-party meeting called to decide the dates for the elections.
The delegation from all parties met the State Election Commissioner and urged him to postpone the polls in the wake of the virus outbreak.
The SEC will conduct a review meeting after 15 days and assess the situation to decide the new dates. State Election Commissioner Saurabh Das said: "We have decided to defer the civic polls for the time being because of the Coronavirus outbreak. We will again hold a meeting to take a call on the matter after 15 days." Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said: "Elections are important. But we have to give priority to humanity. It would not be a major problem if the polls are deferred a bit. However, the State Election Commission will be taking the decision in this regard."
In a bid to check spread of COVID-19, the state government has decided to extend holidays in educational institutions till April 15. However, the board examinations will take place as per the schedule.