The Election Commission has issued a notification banning the conduct, publication, or publicizing of exit polls on February 5, 2025, between 7:00 am and 6:30 pm. This ban applies to the Delhi Assembly election and bypolls in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The notification was issued on January 22 and aims to prevent any exit poll results from being shared during voting hours.
Prohibition on Election-Related Content
According to the notification, displaying any election-related content, including opinion poll results, is also prohibited during the 48 hours leading up to the end of voting. The notification states: “In exercise of the powers under sub-Section (1) of Section 126A of the R.P. Act, 1951, the Election Commission hereby notifies the period between 7.00 am to 6.30 pm on 05.02.2025 as the period during which conducting, publishing, or publicizing exit polls by means of print or electronic media shall be prohibited.”
Political Campaigning Heats Up
As the election approaches, political parties have intensified their campaigning. On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, calling it a “disaster” over the past eleven years. He assured voters that if the BJP wins, no slums would be demolished, and welfare schemes would continue.
A Three-Way Contest
Modi also urged voters not to give AAP another chance, fearing more wasted years. The Delhi Assembly elections will take place on February 5, with vote counting set for February 8. The election will see a triangular contest between BJP, Congress, and AAP.