The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday announced the dates for assembly polls in five states - Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur. Assemblies of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur will expire on May 14, March 23, March 23, March 15, March 19 respectively. Amid a surge in COVID-19 cases, the Election Commission banned election rallies, roadshows and corner meetings till January 15 in the five poll-bound states. Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra said the poll authority will review the COVID-19 situation on January 15 and take a further call on allowing public rallies. The Commission also set out stringent COVID guidelines, restricting the number of persons allowed for door-to-door campaigns to five. Political parties have been asked to provide masks, hand sanitisers to people attending rallies, if they are allowed, Chandra said. The Commission has also banned victory celebrations and only two persons will be allowed to accompany the candidate to collect the winning certificate. Assembly Election 2022: FULL COVERAGE