Indian officials fear that huge crowds at election rallies in the Indian state of Bihar may trigger a new wave of COVID-19 virus infections with devastating consequences.

One rally held on October 18 at Rasidpur village in Chhapra district drew over 100,000 people, who had come to see a local film actor, Keshari Lal Yadav, campaigning for Rashtriya Janata Dal party.

None wore masks and everyone ignored calls for maintaining social distancing.

India has recorded more than seven million cases so far though but its daily case count has been steadily dropping in recent weeks.

Voting will be held in three phases in Bihar and is scheduled to begin on 28 October.

Indian officials fear that huge crowds at election rallies in the Indian state of Bihar may trigger a new wave of Covid 19 virus infections with devastating consequences.

Aggressive campaigning by political leaders have drawn record crowd, which has ignored Covid 19 regulations such as wearing masks and following social distancing.

Footage from many rallies shows thousands of people jostling to get a glimpse of politicians, with hardly anybody wearing masks.

The Election Commission has asked officials to enforce Covid-19 safety rules, but it seems to have had little impact.

For instance, a rally held at Rasidpur village in Chhapra district on October 18 drew over 100,000 people, who had come to see a local film actor, Keshari Lal Yadav, campaigning for Rashtriya Janata Dal party.

None wore masks and everyone ignored calls for maintaining social distancing. Police struggled to keep the crowd in control and made no effort to enforce Covid guidelines.

Virologists and officials have said election rallies in Bihar could help the virus spread much faster and have devastating consequences. Though the impact of the rallies on the spread of infection is yet to unfold, several top political leaders have reported that they have contracted the virus.'


India has recorded more than seven million cases so far though but its daily case count has been steadily dropping in recent weeks.

Voting will be held in three phases in Bihar and is scheduled to begin on 28 October.