In a bid to control post-win ruckus, the district administrations of both Noida and Ghaziabad have forbidden the winners of the state assembly elections — and their supporters — to organise public processions and marches, or engage in any display of power.
Results are slated to be declared on March 11 in both the districts.
The decision has been taken to maintain peace and order in the city. Kumar Vineet, additional district magistrate of Gautam Buddha Nagar, said, “There’s always the possibility of flare-ups between supporters of various parties. So, processions have been barred altogether.”
Nidhi Kesarwani, district magistrate of Ghaziabad, added, “To conduct victory marches, political parties will have to seek special permission from the magistrate, as Section 144 — which forbids public gatherings — is still in effect in the district.”
She continued, “There are bleak chances of such permissions being issued. Section 144 is imposed in the district till the end of state high school exams, which is supposed to end in April. So any procession, or victory march, will be dealt with appropriate action.”
Residents in both the districts upheld the administration's decision.
Rishipal Singh Awana, a resident, opined, “Is it essential to hold big rally after the results are out? Certainly not! This show of power can only mean disruption. The administration has taken the right decision.”
Alok Kumar, a resident of Indirapuram, agreed. He said, “Processions should not be allowed — they disturb social harmony. Residents do not want such victory marches. Instead of conducting processions, the new MLAs should go door to door, and listen to what the residents have to say — like they did while campaigning.”
Noida resident Vimal Sharma felt the same. He said, “It’s a noisy affair — the supporters have no sense of decency, and often drink and dance during such marches.”
However, there were others who differed.
Sandeep Singh, a resident, said, “In a democratic country like India, a people’s representative should be given the permission to organise a victory march. It gives people an opportunity to know their representative as they pass though the various sectors. But yes, the supporters should not cross the limits — and the party boss should ensure that.”
Yudhvir Singh, another resident, said, “The winner has every right to celebrate his win. They should be allowed to take out processions, as the winner can use this opportunity to thank his supporters.”
