Akalis oppose virtual rallies enforced by Election Commission

Jupinderjit Singh

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 9

Literary saying no to virtual rallies and meetings enforced by the Election Commission, the SAD today said it was practically impossible to follow the new norms. The SAD also smelled a conspiracy behind the virtual rallies, saying it is aimed at benefiting the BJP, whose leaders have been facing hostility.

New norms Will be challenging: Congress

The Congress says the poll campaign would be a challenge under the new rules. The party has started digital campaign by setting up social media war room. “It would be the first digital elections,” said Alka Lamba, AICC-appointed media incharge. The party has already set up 10,000 WhatsApp groups. “Efforts are being made to reach out to people via Facebook, WhatsApp and other digital means. Short films of the party are being readied.

It Suits our style of reachout: AAP

The AAP says the style of campaigning recommended by the EC is what the party had been following for the entire duration of the pandemic. “The norms have been announced in the wake of a fresh surge. We have always believed in door-to-door campaigning in small groups,” said Harpal Cheema, senior AAP leader.

“Virtual rallies are impossible. Does the EC think elders, rural people, labourers, daily wagers and voters below the poverty line will have smart phones, Internet to access such rallies?” said Daljeet Singh Cheema, SAD spokesperson.

Taking to The Tribune, he said the party had conveyed its opposition to the EC in a verbal communication today. “We have told them to explain to us the practicality of the virtual campaign. If we want to address a rally in a town, can we send the link of the live telecast to all voters or to only those whose phone numbers are with us?”

He said it was ritual for candidates to reach out to voters, listen to their concerns, problems and offer solutions through promises. “Would the virtual rallies, meetings be a two-way communication? How will the election commission compensate a lag in the Internet?” he said.

The restrictions on door-to-door campaigning were absurd, he said. “I have more than 220 village in my constituency. Under the new norms, only five persons can go from door to door. And we have to give information in advance to the commission about these five people in addition to their movement plan. Is it possible to give names and exact door-to-door movement plan of leaders and supporters if we plan 20 villages in a day?” he said.

Cheema said the restrictions were understandable if there was a general lockdown in the state. “People are thronging markets, religious places and attending parties and marriages. The only restriction is on political activities,” he questioned. Cheema said he had also asked the EC to explain how the parties would organise functions for leaders joining the party.

LEADER SPEAK

There’s Wave for change

There is a wave for change in the whole of Punjab. I am fully confident that on February 14, the people of Punjab will give a chance to AAP to serve them. — Raghav Chadha, AAP leader

People want stability

People of the state are looking forward to a strong, stable and development-oriented SAD-BSP government, committed to peace and communal harmony. — Sukhbir Singh Badal, SAD President

Alliance ready for big day

The alliance of the BJP, SAD (Sanyukt) and PLC is all set for the ‘Big Day’ that will decide the future of Punjab. — Capt Amarinder Singh, Ex-CM