New Delhi, 02 April (H.S.):

The Election Commission has declared the campaign prohibition period (silence period) and restrictions on exit polls for the Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal Assembly elections, along with by-elections on eight seats in Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Nagaland, and Tripura.

Under Section 126(1)(b) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, displaying election campaign materials via TV, radio, or similar media is banned 48 hours before polling in any constituency. Opinion polls, appeals, or views cannot be aired during this time.

Voting Schedule

Polling is set for April 9 in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry; first phase on April 23 and second on April 29 in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. Silence periods will apply accordingly in these states.

Under Section 126A, exit polls and their publication/broadcast are prohibited from 7 AM on April 9 to 6:30 PM on April 29. Violations carry up to two years' imprisonment, fines, or both.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar