Guwahati: With Assam gearing up for the crucial Assembly elections on April 9, the Election Commission has imposed a strict ban on the conduct and publication of exit polls from 7 am on polling day until 6:30 pm on April 29, when the final phase of polling across states concludes. The restriction, enforced under Section 126A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, applies to all five states and Union Territory going to polls this month. Officials warned that any violation could invite stringent action, including imprisonment of up to two years, a fine, or both.
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Assam will vote alongside Kerala and Puducherry on April 9, while Tamil Nadu will go to polls on April 23. West Bengal will witness a two-phase election on April 23 and April 29. Meanwhile, the 48-hour silence period in Assam will come into effect from 5 pm on April 7, bringing an end to all public campaigning. During this time, political rallies, public meetings, and campaign-related activities are strictly prohibited, although limited door-to-door canvassing is allowed.
To ensure peaceful and orderly polling, the Kamrup (Metropolitan) district administration has enforced prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. As per an order issued by District Magistrate and District Election Officer Swapneel Paul, gatherings of five or more persons in public places have been banned across the district, except near polling stations for voting purposes. Authorities have urged voters to adhere to the guidelines and participate responsibly in the democratic process.
