The Election Commission of India on Tuesday banned all victory processions on or after counting day on May 2 amid a surge in COVID-19 cases, reports ANI. The counting of votes will be held in Assam, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala and Puducherry on May 2.

On April 29, West Bengal will vote in the last phase of assembly elections, and with that concluding the voting exercise in Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry.

“In view of the surge in COVID-19 cases throughout the country, the Commission has decided to make more stringent provision to be followed during the process of counting …No victory procession after the counting on May 2 shall be permissible,” an order issued by the poll body to chief electoral officers of all states and UTs said, reports PTI.

This EC’s decision comes a day after the Madras High Court slammed the commission, saying it is singularly responsible for the second wave of COVID and should be booked for murder probably. 

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The Madras HC on Monday threatened the commission that it will stop the counting of votes on Sunday if a “blueprint” is not in place.