Uttar Pradesh government, following the unabated surge in infections due to Covid, has banned the assembly of more than five persons during the remaining three phases of the panchayat elections in the state.
The violators of the directives will be penalised under preventive law NSA.
Additional chief secretary Awanish Awasthi said here on Friday that the candidates for the three tier panchayat bodies, their supporters and the voters will have to comply with the corona protocol like wearing mask and social distancing. He said the government will deal with a firm hand those attempting to disrupt the poll process by indulging in anti social activities. He said the violators will be booked under NSA.
Mr Awasthi said the first phase of the panchayat elections on Thursday passed off peacefully. He said polling was held at 51,000 polling booths and barring 4-6 booth polling was peaceful in all 18 district where polling was held. Awasthi said the government has issued directives for the enforcement of the covid protocol like wearing of the mask at the public places, railway stations and inside the train. He said polling was held at 51,000 polling booths and barring 4-6 booth polling was peaceful in all 18 districts where polling was held.
