As Omicron cases spiral up, there's a need to think about the crowds at election rallies

The warning of an impending health crisis is pouring in from all quarters. The severest of these came on Thursday as Delhi reported 1,313 fresh cases of COVID — the highest tally since May 30. The Capital added 25 cases of the heavily-mutated Omicron variant and has so far recorded 263 Omicron cases, followed by Maharashtra (257), Gujarat (97), Rajasthan (69) and Kerala (65). The cases are rising steeply, with both the Delta and Omicron variants contributing to the tally. The State Governments have imposed restrictions and cautioned people against avoidable travel and partying as Omicron firms up its grip. But no restrictions have been issued for the election rallies and campaigns underway in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and other States ahead of the Assembly polls. The massive rallies have brazenly been violating social distancing norms amid growing concerns and warnings of a “deadly storm”. The Election Commission (EC) and the Health Ministry are in talks on how to go about holding polls amid the threat but the guidelines are still awaited. According to Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra, all political parties in poll-bound UP have said the upcoming elections should be held on time while ensuring COVID protocol.

“Our responsibility begins after poll dates are announced and the model code of conduct kicks in. Till then, the responsibility lies with the State Government and it would act as per recommendations of the State disaster management authority,” Chandra added. A similar trend was seen earlier this year during the West Bengal Assembly polls when political parties shamelessly flouted social distancing norms and held massive election rallies amid mounting COVID-19 cases. It was followed by the catastrophic second wave in the country, the wounds of which are still fresh. It happened irrespective of the 178 notices issued to political parties — mostly to the Trinamool and the BJP — for protocol violation, cancellation of 448 public events and over 100 FIRs for poll-related COVID norm violations. This is exactly what political leaders should consider while addressing thousands of people. Instead, virtual rallies should be resorted to if postponing elections is not an option. The poll panel must take firm action against the violators. If the same mistake is repeated, the country would be dragged into irreparable misery.