The Central Government and the Election Commission are in no mood to postpone the assembly elections to be held in 5 states including UP next year amid rising cases of Omicron. Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan held a high-level meeting with 5 states Uttarakhand, Goa, Manipur, UP and Punjab. In this, instructions were given to increase vaccination and tests in these states.
Here, before this meeting, the Election Commission held a meeting with the health secretaries of the election states in Delhi on Monday. According to sources, assembly elections in 5 states including Uttar Pradesh are being considered on time. However, a final decision on this can be taken in the meeting to be held in the first week of January.
Omicron and vaccination data sought from electoral states
According to sources, the Election Commission wants to stick to its schedule. The commission has discussed Omicron's growing cases with the health secretaries of the election states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, Punjab and Manipur. Vaccine coverage and Omicron cases data have also been sought in these states.
Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan, a senior official of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed the Election Commission about the situation in Corona. Now the states also have to tell what work they are working with the Center. Based on this report, a meeting will be held in the first week of January.
Big rallies and public meetings may be banned
Experts claim that the third wave of corona can also come in the form of Omicron in a few days. Therefore, the Election Commission can take some strict steps. Before the elections, it will be decided after understanding the situation of the states. Notification regarding elections may be issued in January.
According to sources, after the report of the Union Health Secretary regarding Omicron, it is possible that the Election Commission may ban large rallies and public meetings. Allowed for virtual and door-to-door campaigns. With a change in the way of campaigning, masks and two yards can be completely implemented.
Can't postpone elections?
As of now, as per the stand of the Election Commission, the chances of postponement of the elections are very less. According to officials, many big decisions will have to be taken by postponing the elections. For example, President's rule will have to be imposed in the states where the term of the Legislative Assembly has been completed. All the preparations will also have to be done afresh. However, this time the Election Commission can take strict precautionary measures on campaigning and crowd management.