GUWAHATI: With the Coronavirus threat looming large over Assam, going ahead with the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) electioneering and subsequent polls will be not be a wise step as it has the possibility of spreading the virus in very rapid manner, say medical experts.
“In a public gathering it will be very difficult to maintain safety etiquette and it should not be allowed. In a political rally we cannot maintain any safety decorum so it should not be allowed at this critical juncture," Dr Parkritish Bora, well known paediatrician of Guwahati told G Plus.
Despite concerns, the state election commission (SEC) has set the poll process in motion and the polling is slated to take place on April 4.
The virus scare has forced the state government to restrict assembly of people and order closure of all educational institutions, gyms, cinema halls, bars, pubs, salons and swimming pools till end of March as a precautionary measure.
Chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal has taken a decision not to participate in any public function till March 31 as a preventive measure.
Notably with regard to the BTC elections, Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said, “Since the election is a constitutional matter, the state can’t interfere.”
He infact encouraged the contesting candidates and their supporters to bring in innovative touches to their campaigns; the minister said the poll candidates should press for ideas and tools of communication where health hazards can be minimised.
“No one can stop gatherings. There is gathering in hospitals and even inside Parliament. So the best way to deal with the situation is to keep yourself aware of the situation and maintain hygiene,” Sarma had said in recent press conference.
Opposition Congress has raised the issue with the state election commission.
“In such a situation why has the election authority and government decided to hold polls? Are people of BTC immune to coronavirus,” a senior Congress leader asked.
The Congress had declared 12 candidates for the polls on Sunday last.
United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) president Pramod Boro who has recently filed his nomination papers, said,“The state election commission and the government should first ascertain whether it is safe for the polls to be held. If there is a virus threat in the region, the government must look into it,” a local daily quoted.
On Monday, incumbent BTC chief and Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) president Hagrama Mohilary, too, filed his nomination. He took out a massive public rally before filing his nomination papers.
The elections will be held on April 4, the results of which will be announced on April 8. Wednesday is the deadline to file nominations; the last date for withdrawal of candidature is March 21.
The term of the existing BTC general council expires on April 27.