New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent address to the nation in which he appealed to people to follow COVID-19 guidelines, seems to have had no effect in poll-bound Bihar, where packed election rallies have become the norm.
Over the past few days, Bihar has witnessed several rallies - both by Tejashwi Yadav and Prime Minister Modi - with packed crowds. To make matters worse, a majority of those present in the rally were seen not wearing face-masks.
Further, even the Election Commission's warning of stern action for violation of COVID-19 protocol has gone unheeded with people gathering in huge numbers at rallies without wearing masks or caring for social distancing.
The Election Commission had on October 21 directed Bihar's Chief Electoral Officer and district administrations to "invoke appropriate and relevant penal provisions" under the Disaster Management Act and the Indian Penal Code against candidates found violating its orders.
Candidates and organisers found violating the poll watchdog's instructions could face cases and imprisonment up to two years under the relevant sections of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and the IPC.