Samajwadi Party Gets Election Commission Notice Over Public Event
NDTV
Public meetings and rallies have been banned in the state till at least January 22 in view of the pandemic.
A public meeting at its Lucknow office attended by hundreds has landed the Samajwadi Party in trouble just weeks before the Uttar Pradesh election with the Election Commission demanding an explanation for organising the gathering "in the name of virtual rally" in violation of COVID-19 curbs.
Referring to Friday's event in the run-up to the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, the notice said that after considering the matter, the poll body has decided to provide the party with an opportunity to explain its stand regarding the "violations".
"Your explanation shall reach the Commission within 24 hours of receipt of this notice, failing which the Commission shall take appropriate decision in the matter without further reference to you," the notice to the Samajwadi Party general secretary read.
Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh will be held in seven phases between February 10 and March 7 with results on March 10.
