EC restores number of star campaigners as Covid cases wane4Photo© zeenews.india.com

EC restores number of star campaigners as Covid cases wane

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New Delhi: The Election Commission on Sunday restored the number of star campaigners a party can field for campaigning in the ongoing assembly polls in five states, citing the decline in COVID-19 cases. Now, recognised national and state parties can field a maximum of 40 star campaigners. Other parties which are registered but not recognised can now have 20 star campaigners.Also Read - Bride Goes to Casts Vote Right After Her Wedding in UP's Firozabad

The Commission had in October 2020 reduced the number of star campaigners for recognised national and state parties from 40 to 30, as large gatherings were witnessed during campaigning in Bihar assembly elections and bypolls in several states amid the coronavirus pandemic. For unrecognised registered political parties, the maximum number of star campaigners was brought down to 15 from 20. Also Read - Assembly Elections 2022: Dry Days In THESE Places As Model Code of Conduct Comes Into Force In UP, Punjab

“… the numbers of both active and new COVID-19 cases are receding and the restrictions put in place both by the central government and state governments to check the spread of pandemic are being lifted gradually…The Election Commission after due deliberation has decided to restore the maximum limit on number of star campaigners…,” it said in a letter to political parties. Also Read - FACT CHECK: Can Voters Cast 'Challenge Vote' If Their Name Is Missing From Electoral Roll? Here's Truth Behind Viral Message