Guwahati: Campaigns for first phase polling of Assam legislative assembly elections covering 47 constituencies will come to an end by 6 pm on 25 March. Under the Election Commission of India’s guidelines, the campaigning ends 48 hours prior to the close of 27 March polling. “During this period, no person shall convene, hold or attend, join or address any public meetings, processions etc, and display of election matter by means of television and similar apparatus,” said a statement from the electoral authority.
It also prohibits propagation of any election matter to the public by holding any musical concert or any theatrical performance or any other entertainment or amusement with a view to attracting the members of the public, in any polling area during the period of 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for the conclusion of the poll.
The result of any exit or opinion poll conducted shall also not be published, publicized or disseminated in any manner by print, electronic or any other media at any time during the period of 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for the closing of the poll. The objective of this prohibition is to provide a silence period to the electors in the run-up to the actual polling day. Violation will attract punishment of imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both, concluded the statement.
Meanwhile, State chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal addressed an election rally at Batadrava in support of BJP legislator Angoorlata Deka and appealed to the voters to support the saffron party along with its alliance for an Atmanirbhar Asom (self-reliant Assam). He expressed hope that the electorates of Batadrava, the sacred birthplace of Shrimanta Shankardev, would re-elect Ms Deka with a huge margin of votes.
In his speech, Sonowal claimed that BJP is the real secular party and it never deprives anyone of his/her rights in the name of religions. He assured that the party would continue working with the principle of Sabka Saath Sabka Bikash and Sabka Viswas.
Sonowal claimed that the BJP led government in Dispur during the last five years introduced good governances in contrast to the nose deep corruption, nepotism and poor performance of the previous Congress government. As a result, the people living in both Brahmaputra and
Barak valleys have enjoyed the benefits of various government schemes, he added.
He also pointed out that during the Congress days, Assam was afflicted with riots in the name of caste, community, creed and ethnicities. However, during the tenure of BJP led government, all sections of the society have been living peacefully promoting the tenets of universal brotherhood in the State.
Sonowal, while addressing rallies at Kaliabor, Golaghat and Dhakuakhana too for the BJP and its alliance partners, urged upon the people to completely discard the unholy nexus of the Congress and Badruddin Ajmal led AIUDF. He also mentioned that the present government established nine girls’ colleges and 20 residential schools in the minority inhabited areas.
