CHENNAI: The poll panel has imposed several restrictions on campaigning for the urban local body polls in Chennai until February 11, but as state leaders join the candidates for door-to-door canvassing and at party meetings, all Covid rules and norms are out of the window. Few are seen wearing a mask or maintaining social distance.
At indoor meetings, much more than the allowed 50% capacity is often seated. At a hall in Virugumbakka on Wednesday, more than 100% of the capacity was in when AIADMK leader K Palaniswami addressed his party7 workers. In areas newly added to the corporation such as Porur, Thiruvottiyur, Ambattur and Sholinganallur, more than 100 people have been seen visiting streets and houses, though only 20 are allowed.
N Vishwanathan, a city advocate, said that as per the norms of Greater Chennai Corporation and the election commission, rallies, road shows and campaigning are not allowed until February 11. “But we are already started seeing huge crowds on the streets. It is not only dangerous for those taking part in the campaign but for us residents too,” he said.
Several independent candidates who wanted to hold indoor and outdoor campaign meetings haven’t been given the permission from police to do so. However, several belonging to the DMK and AIADMK have been holding meetings indoor and outdoor every day. The civic body officials have said 12 cases have been booked so far for violating Covid and ECI norms. “We have 45 flying squads who are ensuring that the rules are followed. We have also put out a list of 136 locations where outdoor meetings are allowed. We have the police support to ensure law and order and enforcement of the Covid protocols,” said a senior corporation official.
A member of the DMK’s IT wing told TOI that the party was trying to follow all rules. “In fact, the bigger leaders will begin campaigning only after February 11 to draw in larger crowds,” he said.
