Money9 Edit | CPI(M) cancels rallies, now it is EC’s turn to act tough
Though West Bengal is no Maharashtra yet, with the number of infections rising fast and several huge public gatherings being organised every day in different parts of the state, it is just a matter of time before the numbers explode
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has taken a bold and rare step by announcing cancellation of all public meetings and roadshows in Bengal to help curb the galloping pace of COVID 19 infection that is threatening to engulf the economy again after wrecking a havoc in 2020. Though West Bengal is passing through a high-stake electoral battle and is only half way through it, the party did not hesitate to put a complete stop to gatherings and focus on other forms of campaigning.
Though CPI(M) has urged other parties to refrain from organising public gatherings, it is unlikely that they will pay any heed to the advice. Though West Bengal is no Maharashtra yet, with the number of infections rising fast and several huge public gatherings being organised every day in different parts of the state, it is just a matter of time before the numbers explode. Doctors and epidemiologists have been alerting the people of the deadly consequences of such thoughtless acts but there has been no effect on the political theatre.
The call of the hour is for the Election Commission to provide leadership now. Ideally it should ban public meetings and gatherings. The least it can do is to issue strict guidelines for meetings and enforce compliance too because without stringent compliance directions would become toothless. The organisers of the meetings should also be held accountable if there are deviations from the norms.
It is also a rare opportunity for political parties to rise to the occasion and voluntarily decide to forget rallies and roadshows in this election season. If all decide simultaneously, it will be a level-playing field for everybody. Should they pull it off, the country will fondly remember this political cartel for a long time.
Published: April 15, 2021, 18:55 IST
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