New Delhi, Apr 07 : The Election Commission of India has announced the enforcement of the mandatory 48-hour silence period for the upcoming Assam Legislative Assembly elections, beginning at 5:00 PM on April 7, 2026. The restriction will remain in place until the conclusion of polling across all constituencies.
Invoking provisions under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the Commission has prohibited all forms of election campaigning during this window. Public rallies, meetings, processions, and any direct or indirect voter outreach activities have been completely barred.
The poll body has also imposed a blanket ban on the circulation of election-related content through electronic, digital, and social media platforms. Methods such as bulk messaging, phone calls, and online canvassing are strictly disallowed to ensure voters can make decisions without influence.
In addition, political leaders and party workers from outside constituencies, who are not registered voters in the respective areas, have been instructed to exit immediately after the campaign period ends. Local administration and law enforcement agencies have been directed to strictly enforce these measures to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.
The Commission further clarified that broadcasting opinion polls, surveys, or any election-related analysis on television or similar electronic platforms is prohibited during the silence period, as per legal provisions.
Chief Electoral Officer of Assam, Anurag Goel, urged all stakeholders, including candidates, political parties, and media organisations, to comply fully with the guidelines. He cautioned that violations would attract strict legal action.
Meanwhile, JP Nadda expressed confidence in electoral support for the Bharatiya Janata Party and the National Democratic Alliance, stating that the alliance is witnessing strong backing across Assam ahead of the polls.
The state is scheduled to vote in a single phase on April 9, with counting of votes set for May 4.