BJP ready to hold virtual rallies if needed amid Omicron scare

New Delhi, Dec 29: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is ready for virtual election rallies if the need arises due to stricter restrictions amid concerns over the spread of Omicron.

"Election commission will make a decision on election rallies, we will follow the guidelines. BJP is ready for virtual election rallies, we'd held virtual election rallies during West Bengal elections," Union Minister and BJP election in-charge Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said today.

"During the pandemic, when all political parties in the world were in hibernation, even at that time BJP workers and supporters were working on virtual platforms," he said.

With the emergence of the new Omicron variant of coronavirus, several states including the poll-bound Uttar Pradesh have announced night curfews and other curbs.

Apprehensions have been expressed by many over holding elections rallies as it becomes difficult to ensure social distancing in such events with huge gatherings.

Election Commission officials earlier this week held a meeting with the Union health secretary to take stock of the situation for holding assembly polls early next year in five states -- Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarkhand, Manipur and Goa.

The States were advised to speedily ramp up the COVID19 vaccination of all eligible population for the first dose and ensure that those who were due for the second dose are administered the second dose. District-wise weekly vaccination implementation plans are required to be drawn up for this purpose. The state authorities were advised to review the implementation status on a daily basis.

The poll-bound states were also advised to exponentially increase the testing to ensure that the infected cases are identified promptly for timely initiation of public health response measures, and to ensure that there is no sudden upsurge in numbers due to low testing.

The state authorities were strongly advised to ensure that recommended COVID Appropriate Behavior is strictly followed and adequate measures are undertaken for their effective enforcement.