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New Delhi: As the nation gears up for the highly anticipated Lok Sabha elections 2024, the Election Commission (EC) has issued a crucial notification, enforcing a strict prohibition on the conduct, publication, or dissemination of exit polls. The ban, effective from April 19 to June 1, encompasses not only the Lok Sabha elections but also the Assembly polls slated to occur in Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Sikkim.
The embargo, commencing at 7 am on April 19 and concluding at 6:30 pm on June 1, entails a comprehensive restriction on exit polls across all forms of media, including print, electronic, and other dissemination methods. This measure aims to uphold the sanctity of the electoral process and prevent premature dissemination of potentially influencing information.
Additionally, the EC has mandated a 48-hour blackout period prior to the conclusion of polling for both the general elections and Assembly polls. During this period, the display of any election-related content, including the results of opinion polls or surveys, on electronic media platforms will be strictly prohibited.
The Lok Sabha elections, scheduled to be conducted in seven phases starting from April 19, will see voters across the nation exercise their democratic right. With nearly 97 crore eligible voters, the electoral process is poised to be one of the largest democratic exercises globally. The subsequent counting of votes is slated for June 4, marking a crucial milestone in India’s democratic journey.
In a parallel development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP chief JP Nadda, and Union ministers Rajnath Singh and Amit Shah have been designated as star campaigners for the saffron party in Chhattisgarh. They are among a roster of 40 prominent leaders enlisted to galvanize support ahead of the elections, which will unfold in three phases in the state.
