Health Ministry Removes PM Modi's Picture from Vaccine Certificates in 5 States

NEW DELHI: A day after the announcement of assembly elections and following model code of conduct, the Union Health Ministry has applied filters on the Co-WIN application by removing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's picture from the vaccination certificates issued in the five poll-bound states.

The Election Commission stated on Saturday that assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Manipur, and Goa will be held in seven stages between February 10 and March 7, with results published on March 10.

The Model Code of Conduct for governments, candidates, and political parties became effective with the announcement of the schedule.

Following objections from various political parties, the Health Ministry took a similar initiative during the votes in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Puducherry in March 2021, as directed by the Election Commission.

Physical rallies of political parties, potential candidates, or any other entity associated with elections are prohibited until January 15, according to the ECI.

"The ECI will then assess the situation and offer further directions if necessary." Until January 15, no roadshows, padayatra, cycle or bike rallies, or processions will be permitted. 

The Commission also established rigorous Covid restrictions, limiting door-to-door campaigns to a maximum of five people.

If authorized, political parties have been requested to supply masks and hand sanitisers to rally attendees, according to the chief election commissioner.

The Commission has also prohibited victory celebrations, allowing only two people to join the candidate when he or she collects the winning certificate.

Punjab chief electoral officer S Karuna Raju, while addressing the media said that Static surveillance teams and flying squads will operational around the state to keep an eye in violation of the model code.

Sufficient forces have been deployed to ensure the state electoral process is free, fair, and secure, Raju added.

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