Assam Assembly polls: Election campaign halted as EC imposes silence period from today

New Delhi: The Election Commission on Monday announced that the silent period for the Assam Legislative Assembly elections will begin at 5 pm today, 48 hours before polling closes in all constituencies.According to Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, all forms of electioneering activities are prohibited during this period. This includes public gatherings, rallies, marches and any other campaign-related events.

The commission also banned the dissemination of election-related content through electronic and social media platforms. Canvassing via text messages, phone calls and online channels is not allowed.In addition, political leaders and party workers brought in from outside constituencies (who are not local registered voters) have been instructed to leave as soon as the campaign period ends. District and police authorities have been directed to ensure strict compliance to maintain a free and fair electoral process, news agency ANI reported.In addition, under section 126(1)(b) of the Act, the display of election-related content, including opinion polls and survey results, on electronic media such as television during the silent period is prohibited.Assam Chief Electoral Officer Anurag Goel urged all stakeholders to adhere to the guidelines and warned that non-compliance would attract criminal prosecution.Meanwhile, Union Minister JP Nadda said, “There is a pro-BJP, pro-NDA atmosphere. The NDA has unanimous support from all sections of society. The work Modi has done in Assam, the blessings he has brought to Assam and the way Himanta Biswa Sarma ji has implemented it at the grassroots level have been welcomed by the people of Assam.”Polling in Assam will be held in phases on April 9, with counting scheduled for May 4.Kerala chief executive Dr Rathan U Kelkar on Monday also announced that campaigning in the state will end ahead of the assembly polls at 6 pm today and outlined strict restrictions to be imposed during a 48-hour “silent period”.