Election commission extends ban on rallies in 5 states

India’s election commission extended its ban on political rallies and roadshows in five states due to rising COVID-19 cases in the country, Reuters reported.

The ban, which runs to Jan. 22, excludes indoor political party events of less than 300 people, or at 50% of a venue’s capacity, the watchdog said in a statement.

India reported 268,833 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, taking its total tally to 36.84 million, according to data from the federal Health Ministry. Deaths from COVID-19 rose by 402 to 485,752.

Uttar Pradesh will hold elections starting next month. The poll in the northern state, which is currently ruled by Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party, is seen a barometer for national elections due in 2024.

The northern states of Punjab and Uttarakhand, tourist hotspot Goa and the northeastern state of Manipur will also hold elections in coming months.