Amid rise in Omicron cases, Allahabad High Court today asked PM Narendra Modi and Election Commission to postpone upcoming assembly elections in five states.
The Bench of Justice Shekhar Yadav made the remarks while hearing a bail plea. The Bench also noted that lawyers were present in large numbers in the court premises and social distancing norms were openly flouted.
A sharp rise in Covid cases was observed after the West Bengal assembly elections last year. The polls had seen massive rallies from the BJP, Left, and Trinamool Congress.
This time again, as the number of Covid cases are rising due to Omicron variant, massive rallies are being organised in the five poll bound states - Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Uttarakhand, Punjab and Manipur.
The High Court opined that the campaign must go virtual and parties must communicate with people via mediums like newspapers, television etc.
Earlier today, PM Modi reviewed the COVID-19 situation and stressed on the need to be 'satark' (vigilant) and 'saavdhan' (cautious).
The Prime Minister, chairing a high-level meeting, said that the fight against the pandemic is not over yet and highlighted the "paramount importance" of Covid-safe behaviour, a statement from the PMO said.
He directed officials that the Centre's teams be sent to states with low vaccination, rising cases, and insufficient health infrastructure, to assist them improve the situation.
Places like New Delhi and Maharashtra have seen a rise in the number of new infections of late.
