Omicron scare: Decision on holding Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls next week, says CEC Sushil Chandra

Vibha Sharma

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, December 24

A day after the Allahabad High Court suggested postponing the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections in view of the increase in Omicron cases, speculation is rife regarding the poll schedule and also that the key poll-bound state may be headed for the President’s rule. Sources though say that the election schedule may be announced around ‘Makar Sakranti’.

Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra said the Election Commission will take a call on postponing the UP Assembly elections and banning all political rallies only after a review of the current situation. “I will be visiting UP next week. An appropriate decision as required by the situation will be taken after we review it,” the CEC was quoted as saying on the High Court’s observation

Meanwhile, a day after Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh also announced night curfew from 11 pm to 5 am, starting tomorrow. The UP Government said only 200 persons will be allowed to attend marriages and social functions at which all necessary Covid-safety protocols must be followed. Officials have also been asked to ensure that all those arriving in UP from abroad and other states are tested for Covid, especially at railway and bus stations.

A bench of Justice Shekhar Yadav yesterday urged the government and the poll panel to consider postponing the UP Assembly elections for a month or two and banning all political rallies amid the fears of an impending third wave of Covid.

Interestingly, soon thereafter BJP’s Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy hinted at postponement of polls, which are otherwise scheduled around February next year. He also predicted the President’s Rule in the state.

“Don’t be surprised by a Lockdown for Omicron and postponement of UP elections to September under President Rule in UP. What could not directly be done earlier this year can be then done indirectly early next year,” the senior BJP leader tweeted

The prediction came on the heels of a massive political showdown over reports of relatives of BJP leaders and government officials allegedly “usurping” land near the upcoming Ram Temple in Ayodhya. While the BJP has rubbished the allegations, rivals SP, Congress and AAP are mounting pressure, demanding an SC-monitored probe. Observers say such allegations are bound to “dent the image of the saffron party”. The UP Government has ordered a probe into the allegations.