NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India ECI has put a ban on bike rallies prior to 72 hours before the date of polling and on the polling day in all election-going constituencies in the five states of Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, Puducherry and Tamil Nadu.
While announcing about the ban on bike rallies, the EC stated that the step has been taken after reports surfaced that "anti-social elements" use motorbikes to intimidate voters.
In a directive issued by the commission to all Chief Electoral Officers CEO of the poll bound states it has been highlighted that "it has been brought to its notice that in some places bikes are used by anti-social elements to intimidate the voters before the poll day and/or on poll day."
After considering the reports, the Commission has decided that "bike rallies shall not be allowed at any place 72 hours before the date of the poll or on the poll day in all poll-going constituencies," the directive said.
The Commission further asked the CEOs to inform all stakeholders concerned, including candidates, political parties, and the Commission's observers, to ensure strict compliance of the directions.
Bike rallies has been amply used by various political parties ahead of the Assembly Elections 2021 for campaigning. However, various anti-social activities surfaced, following which the commission took the decision.
Apart from this a recent incident took place in Assam, when Congress candidate Sukur Ali Ahmed from Chenga constituency (Barpeta district, lower Assam) filed his nominations paper. A rally was organized, and the supporters who had joined the rally turned violent as they were not given the promised money for fuel for their vehicles. The supporters were seen hitting the vehicle of candidate Sukur Ali and trying to damage it. The angry supporters raised slogans and created a ruckus on the streets of Chenga. The candidate had a narrow escape. He managed to save himself from the angry crowd by taking shelter in a nearby house