(CEC Sunil Arora holding press conference to announce poll schedule)
Speed Post News Network
New Delhi : Election Commission of India (ECI) on February 26, 2021, announced the schedule for 2021 General Elections to State Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Puducherry.
Poll will be held in eight-phases in West Bengal (294 Assembly Constituencies) : March 27, 2021, April 1, 2021, April 6, 2021, April 10, 2021, April 17, 2021, April 22, 2021, April 26, 2021, and April 29, 2021. In Assam (126 ACs), the poll will be held on March 27, 2021, April 1, 2021, and April 6, 2021.
In Kerala (140 ACs) , the poll will be held on April 6, 2021, for all the 140 assembly constituencies. Tamilnadu ( 234 ACs) and Poducherry ( 30 ACs) will also go to poll on April 6, 2021.
The Commission after considering all relevant aspects has decided to recommend to the Governor of the States of Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Puducherry to issue notifications for the General Election under the relevant provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
The Model Code of Conduct has come into effect immediately from the announcement of poll schedule. All the provisions of the Model Code will apply to the whole of Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Puducherry with regard to all candidates, political parties, and the government of the said States. The Model Code of Conduct shall also be applicable to the Union Government in so far as
Page 24 of 38 announcements/policy decisions pertaining to/for Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry.
The Commission has made elaborate arrangements for ensuring the effective implementation of the MCC Guidelines. Any violations of these Guidelines would be strictly dealt with and the Commission re-emphasizes that the instructions issued in this regard from time to time should be read and understood by all Political Parties, contesting candidates and their agents/representatives, to avoid any misgivings or lack of information or inadequate understanding/interpretation. The Governments of the poll-bound States have also been directed to ensure that no misuse of official machinery/position is done during the MCC period, according to a PIB release.
The Commission has directed that the use of public address system or loudspeakers or any sound amplifier, whether fitted on vehicles of any kind whatsoever, or in static position used for public meetings for electioneering purposes, during the entire election period starting from the date of announcement of election and ending with the date of declaration of results, shall not be permitted at night
between 10 pm and 6 am. Further, no loudspeakers fitted on vehicles of any kind or in any other manner whatsoever shall be permitted to be used during the period of 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for the conclusion of the poll in any polling area.