The Election Commission of India on Wednesday issued an advisory as political parties and leaders were reported to be violating social distancing norms while poll campaigning, PTI reported. Leaders were also reported to be addressing public rallies without wearing masks.

In the advisory addressed to presidents and general secretaries of all recognised national and state parties, the EC warned that chief electoral officers and the district machinery may take appropriate action against such persons or parties who will violate the norms.

“The Commission has taken a serious view of the laxity on the part of political parties and candidates, on the ground, in terms of maintaining crowd discipline, and hereby reiterates and further advises them to demonstrate utmost vigil and care during electioneering,” the advisory said, as quoted by PTI.

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Campaigning is on for Bihar Assembly polls as well as for bye-elections in other states.

Assembly polls in Bihar will be held in three phases on October 28, November 3 and November 7. Most of the assembly bypolls will be held on November 3. Bypolls to the Valmiki Nagar Lok Sabha seat in Bihar and some assembly seats in Manipur will take place on November 7.