NEW DELHI: The Election Commission has extended its ban in poll rallies and road shows ahead of the five Assembly elections scheduled next month till January 31, India Today has reported.

The ban has been imposed on account of a surge in Covid cases in the country.

EC’s announcement comes after it held virtual meetings with representatives of the Union Ministry of Health, the chief electoral officers of the five poll-bound states and others to review its decision, the report said.

However, the Election Commission announced some relaxation for political parties, which include public meetings of political parties or contesting candidates in Phase 1 of the elections have been permitted from January 28 onwards.

“These must be held in designated open spaces with a maximum of 500 people or 50 percent of the capacity of the ground,” it said.

Likewise, EC has also allowed for door-to-door campaigns with a maximum number of people of 10.

(With inputs from India Today)