Jaipur, October 26, 2025 (Sunday):
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced restrictions on the broadcast and publication of any election-related content during the “silence period” ahead of voting for the Bihar Assembly Elections and the Anta Assembly by-election in Rajasthan.
According to the election schedule declared on October 6, 2025, Bihar will vote in two phases — November 6 and November 11, while the Anta Assembly by-election will also take place on November 11, 2025.
As per Section 126(1)(b) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, a 48-hour silence period before the close of voting bars the display of any election campaign material on TV, radio, or similar platforms that could influence voters.
The Commission has directed all TV and radio channels, cable networks, and digital platforms to ensure that during the restricted 48-hour period, no program, panel discussion, opinion, or appeal that could promote or prejudice any political party or candidate be aired or displayed.
In addition, under Section 126A of the Act, the publication or broadcast of exit polls and their results will be strictly prohibited from 7:00 AM on November 6 to 6:30 PM on November 11, 2025 across print, electronic, and digital media.
Violating these provisions may attract a penalty of up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both. The ECI has urged all media organizations to comply fully with these guidelines in the spirit of free and fair elections.
