After the Election Commission's decision to ban victory procession on or after counting on May 2 in four states and one UT, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced for celebrating their self-predicted victory virtually.

The counting of votes for Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry will take place on May 2.

The party's national President JP Nadda welcomed the Election Commission's decision due to the worsening COVID-19 crisis in the country.

"I welcome the decision of the ECI banning celebrations and processions of electoral victories. I have directed all state units of BJP to strictly adhere to this decision. All karykartas of BJP are using their energies to help the ones in need in this hour of crisis," Nadda tweeted.

Speaking to ANI, BJP General Secretary Tarun Chugh said, " As a responsible party, we will celebrate the occasion but it will be according to the guideline of the Election Commission. We have always followed COVID-19 protocol during the election campaign in the five states and we will also follow this order and we will celebrate our win virtually with our karyakartas."

"In view of the surge in COVID-19 cases throughout the country, the Commission has decided to make more stringent provision to be followed during the process of counting, in addition to exiting Broad Guidelines dated August 21, 2020, and has directed that no victory procession after the counting on May 2, 2021, shall be permissible," the order issued by Election Commission reads.

It further stated that not more than two persons shall be allowed to accompany the winning candidate or his/her authorised representative to receive the certificate of election from the Returning Officer.