Odisha relaxes COVID restrictions for ensuing Panchayat Polls; public meetings now allowed

Bhubaneswar: Keeping in view the declining trend of COVID-19, the State Election Commission (SEC), Odisha has relaxed some COVID-19 restrictions, which were imposed earlier last month for the ensuing Panchayat Polls-2022.

Briefing mediapersons here, State Election Commissioner Aditya Prasad Padhee today said the previous guidelines have been modified after a review of the current COVID situation.

As per the revised guidelines, poll candidates are now allowed to carry out door-to-door campaign taking 20 persons, including the contestant himself/herself. Earlier, five persons were allowed for the purpose.

Also Read: Odisha Panchayat Polls: SRC issues guidelines in view of COVID situation

Besides, public meetings can be organised by political parties or the candidates on open grounds with participation of a maximum of 300 people. However, prior permission of the appropriate authority should be taken before conduct of the same. Also, strict observance of COVID-19 protocols like mask-wearing and social distancing should be ensured during the such events, the SEC added.

The relaxations came into effect from today.

Earlier, the SEC had restricted any kind pf physical rally by political parties or the candidates for the upcoming elections.