ECI bars bike rallies 72 hours ahead of poll days

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India has banned ‘bike rallies’ 72 hours before polling day and on election days in all election-going constituencies on Monday because of allegations that "anti-social elements" use motor bikes to harass voters.

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The poll body told chief electoral officers in poll-bound West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam and Puducherry that "in some places bikes are used by anti-social elements to harass voters before the poll day and/or on poll day," according to the directive.

The commission decided after considering the reports that "bike rallies shall not be permitted at any place 72 hours prior to the date of the election or on the poll day in all poll-going constituencies," according to the directive.

To ensure strict compliance with the directions, the ECI also asked state chief electoral officers to alert all stakeholders, including candidates, political parties and the commission's observers.

The elections for the five assemblies will begin on March 27, with the results being announced on May 2.

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