EC’s Ban on Political Rallies and Roadshows: Did It Work?

EC's ban on political rallies and roadshows seems to have had no effect on leaders across party lines.

Last month on 8 January, the Election Commission of India (ECI), along with announcing the schedule for Assembly elections in five states of India, also announced a ban on political rallies and roadshows till 15 January.

The ban was later extended multiple times till Sunday, 6 February. But how was the ban enforced during this election season?

From India’s Home Minister Amit Shah to Indian National Congress’ Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Samajwadi Party’s Akhilesh Yadav, political leaders across the party lines were seen openly flouting the ban on rallies and roadshows.