New SOPs for political gatherings in election states | Fusion - WeRIndia

While elections in some states and by-elections for some assembly constituencies and one parliamentary constituency in Bihar are upcoming in the country, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued new guidelines for political gatherings. These guidelines apply to political meetings held before October 15.

Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla issued these new orders saying that they will be applicable only in constituencies going for elections.

Elections are going to be held in as many as 11 states by this month-end and first week of November.

Here is a list of revised SOPs issued by the MHA for political gatherings in states where elections will be held:

• The Election Commission of India is going to hold elections and by-polls. These elections are scheduled on October 28, November 3 and November 7.
• While the number of people allowed for political meetings is capped at 100, a political rally can have a gathering of over 100 people now in these states. State governments can allow these gatherings outside the containment zones.
• State governments will have to issue detailed SOPs to political parties that conduct meetings and make sure to enforce them strictly.
• If the meeting is conducted inside a closed building, only half of the hall capacity will be allowed. However, the maximum permitted number of people will be 200 in such halls.
• On the other hand, if the meeting is held in open places, allowed gathering size will be based on the space or size of the ground.
• Organizers should make sure that the attendees are following COVID-protocols. They should provide sanitizers for handwashing. They should also have a provision of thermal screening.
• The participants in these political gatherings should have to wear a facemask and maintain social distancing.

Image Credit: Public.Resource.Org / CC BY 2.0

Image Reference: https://www.flickr.com/photos/8212496@N06/27450556761