Odisha govt allows political gatherings for by-poll in Tirtol, Balasore only

Bhubaneswar: In view of the bye-election to Tirtol and Balasore Assembly constituencies, the Odisha government today stated political meetings, other functions and gatherings in connection with the bye-election will be allowed in the constituencies. It is worth to be mentioned the government prohibited social, political, sports, entertainment, academic, cultural, religious functions and other large congregations till October 31, 2020 to prevent the spread of deadly Covid-19 in the State.

In fresh guidelines, the Special Relief Commissioner’s Office said the political meetings and gatherings will be allowed within the jurisdiction of Tirtol Assembly constituency in Jagatsinghpur district and Balasore Assembly constituency in Balasore district only. This order will come into force with immediate effect.

However, the SRC office laid following conditions for the political meetings and gatherings in the two constituencies:

a. In closed spaces, a maximum of 50% of the hall capacity will be allowed with a ceiling of 200 persons. Wearing of masks, maintaining social distancing, provision of thermal scanning and use of hand wash or sanitizer will be mandatory.

b. In open spaces, keeping the size of the ground/open space in view, the District Administration shall give permission for gathering for such number of persons as would be appropriate for ensuring strict observance of physical distancing norms. Wearing of masks, provision of thermal scanning and use of hand wash or sanitizer will be mandatory.

The District Magistrate of the concerned district shall ensure strict enforcement of the conditions for holding the political meetings and other functions/ gatherings in connection with the said bye-election.

The bye-election to Tirtol and Balasore Assembly constituencies will be held on November 3, 2020.