AAP CM' Face Mann Violates Covid Protocols, EC Sent Notice

Mr. Mann launched a campaign in Sangrur, Punjab

Punjab: Amid the Omicron scare, the Election Commission of India issued protocols to maintain the Covid-19 measures during the elections campaign.

Today, EC sent a notice to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for violating its Covid-19 protocols after the party's Chief Ministerial candidate Bhagwant Mann visited the Sangrur district on Sunday.

Mr. Mann, who is also the party's Punjab chief and a Member of Parliament from Sangrur, yesterday launched his campaign to contest the upcoming Punjab assembly elections from the Dhuri assembly seat in Sangrur.

Looking into Mr. Mann's campaign, a large crowd had welcomed him in various villages, raising slogans and showering flowers. The party claimed that they had invited only a few locals but a large number turned out as the news of his visit spread on social media.

Last week, the AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal has announced Bhagwant Mann as their CM's Face. As Aam Aadmi Party launched its survey under its "Janta Chunegi Apna CM" drive where commoners can suggest AAP's representatives. Mr. Mann won by 93%. 

The election body had on January 8, while announcing the poll dates, issued revised guidelines on the conduct of elections during Covid-19. It banned roadshows and rallies till January 15. EC extended the ban till the end of this month on Saturday.

The state will vote in a single phase for 117 seats on February 20, the counting of votes will be done on March 10.

The poll body had earlier issued a notice to the Samajwadi Party for violating Covid norms at its office premises in Lucknow. However, the party was let off with a light rap and advised to be careful in the future.