Silence period ahead of Elections: What happens over the 48-hour period before polls?

To ensure fair elections and a clear mindset of voters ahead of elections, various measures are implemented. The silence period is one of them.

The silence period remains in place for 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for conclusion of poll for any election in that polling area.

During the silence period, all sorts of campaigns are prohibited.

No active campaigning by candidates or political parties is permitted. Television and digital media are asked to refrain from any election-related matter during this time. Political leaders are not allowed to address the public to stop them from influencing voters in any way.

During the silence period, star campaigners and other political leaders are asked to refrain from addressing the media by way of press conferences and giving interviews on election matters.

As per Section 126(1)(b) of the Representation of the People Act, no person shall display to the public any election matter by means of cinematograph, television or other similar apparatus in any polling area during the silence period.

Under Section 135C of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, no alcohol or any substance of like nature shall be sold, given, or distributed at a hotel, eating house, tavern, shop or any other place, public or private, within a polling area during the period.

Broadcasting any news which may contain any material that may used to influence or affect the results of the election, is not permissible.

Earlier in the day, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan was scheduled to address people at 5.30 pm. Later, the Election Commission asked the state's CEO to ensure no campaigning took place after 6pm when the 48-hour silence period kicked in.

The Congress had approached the poll panel complaining that according to an election advertisement published by the BJP in newspapers across Madhya Pradesh, Chouhan would speak with "brothers and sisters" of the state at 5.30 pm on Wednesday. 

"भाई की पाती लाड़ली बहनों के नाम"

मुख्यमंत्री श्री @ChouhanShivraj आज भाई दूज पर मध्य प्रदेश के सभी भाई-बहनों से करेंगे संवाद।

समय - शाम 5.30 बजे pic.twitter.com/t1JIRrziXb

— BJP Madhya Pradesh (@BJP4MP)

In a post on X around 4.30 pm, the Madhya Pradesh BJP had confirmed the planned addresses, "Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will interact with the brothers and sisters of Madhya Pradesh on Bhai Dooj at 5.30 pm."

Madhya Pradesh is all set to vote on November 17 whereas Chhattisgarh goes to second phase of polling on November 17. The first phase polling in Chhattisgarh took place on November 7. The desert state, Rajasthan, will vote on November 23. Elections will be held in Telangana on November 30. The counting of votes will be held on December 3 for all the five states.