Warning Bells: Polls In These 5 States Likely To Halt Amid Rising Cases Of Omicron, Decision Today

Bhubaneswar: Amid the looming threats of the new Covid-19 variant, Omicron, the Election Commission will meet Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan on Monday to discuss the prevailing COVID19 situation and upcoming Assembly elections in five states- UP, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur.

Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra yesterday told reporters: “I will be visiting UP next week. An appropriate decision as required by the situation will be taken after we review it.”

The commission may also seek suggestions from Bhushan on improving its COVID-19 protocol for poll campaigning, polling days and the dates of counting.