Voting for Phase 2 of the West Bengal Assembly elections is scheduled for April 29, with the silence period in force until 6:00 pm the same day. During this time, all media platforms are prohibited from publishing or broadcasting election-related content.
Restrictions on media and opinion polls
The Election Commission has directed television, radio channels and cable networks to ensure that content broadcast during the silence period does not include material that could influence voters or affect the outcome of the election. This includes any form of opinion polls or views that may promote or prejudice the prospects of candidates or parties.
Exit poll ban timeline and penalties
Media organisations have been informed that conducting and publishing exit polls is prohibited from 7:00 am on April 9 until 6:30 pm on April 29. Any violation of these rules may attract punishment of up to two years of imprisonment, a fine, or both.
High turnout recorded in first phase
In the first phase, West Bengal recorded a voter turnout of nearly 92 per cent amid isolated incidents of violence, while Tamil Nadu saw voting of over 84 per cent. The elections have seen the Bharatiya Janata Party attempting to unseat the Mamata Banerjee led government in West Bengal and expand its presence in Tamil Nadu, while the Trinamool Congress is seeking a fourth consecutive term.
The second phase of polling in West Bengal will cover the remaining 142 of the total 294 seats on April 29. Counting of votes for Kerala, Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry will take place on May 4.
