New Delhi: The Election Commission on Monday announced that the silence period for the Assam Legislative Assembly elections will begin at 5.00 pm today, 48 hours before the conclusion of polling in all constituencies.According to Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, all types of election campaigning will be prohibited during this period. This includes public meetings, rallies, processions and other campaign-related activities.The commission has also banned dissemination of election-related material through electronic and social media platforms. Promotion through bulk SMS, phone calls and online channels will not be allowed.Additionally, political leaders and party workers brought from outside constituencies, who are not registered voters there, have been directed to leave immediately after the campaign period ends. News agency ANI reported that district and police officials have been directed to ensure strict compliance to maintain a free and fair electoral process.Additionally, under Section 126(1)(b) of the Act, display of election-related material, including opinion polls and survey results, on electronic media such as television during the silent period is prohibited.Chief Electoral Officer of Assam, Anurag Goyal, urged all stakeholders to follow the guidelines, warning that violations will be punished.Meanwhile, Union Minister JP Nadda said, “The atmosphere is in favor of BJP, in favor of NDA. NDA is getting unanimous support from all sections of the society. The work that Modi ji has done in Assam, the blessings he has given to Assam, and the way Himanta Biswa Sarma ji has implemented it at the ground level, the people of Assam are welcoming it.”Voting in Assam will be held in a single phase on April 9 and counting of votes will take place on May 4.Kerala CEO Dr Ratan U Kelkar also announced on Monday that campaigning in the state ahead of the assembly elections will end at 6 pm today, and outlined strict restrictions to be imposed during the 48-hour “silent period”.