Campaigning Ends, 48-Hour Silent Period Begins; Administration Warns of Strict Action Against Rule Violations

Campaigning Ends, 48-Hour Silent Period Begins; Administration Warns of Strict Action Against Rule Violations

Patna: Campaigning for the Bankipur Assembly by-election has officially come to an end, marking the beginning of the mandatory 48-hour silent period imposed by the Election Commission ahead of polling. With the conclusion of electioneering, all political rallies, public meetings, roadshows, and campaign-related activities have been prohibited in the constituency until the completion of voting.

District Election Officer-cum-District Magistrate Kundan Kumar and Senior Superintendent of Police Kartikeya K. Sharma, while addressing a joint press conference, said that comprehensive arrangements have been made to ensure free, fair, and peaceful polling. They warned that any violation of the Election Commission's guidelines during the silent period would invite strict legal action.

The administration has intensified surveillance across the constituency and launched inspections of hotels, lodges, guest houses, and other accommodation facilities to ensure that outsiders do not influence voters during the restricted period.

Election Campaign Comes to an End

After weeks of intensive campaigning by candidates and political parties, the election campaign for the Bankipur Assembly by-election concluded in accordance with the Election Commission's schedule.

Leaders from major political parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and Jan Suraaj, held rallies, roadshows, public meetings, and door-to-door campaigns in an effort to win over voters.

With campaigning now over, the focus has shifted entirely to the polling process, scheduled for July 30.

48-Hour Silent Period Comes Into Effect

Immediately after campaigning ended, the Election Commission's mandatory 48-hour silent period came into force.

During this period, political parties, candidates, and their supporters are prohibited from conducting election campaigns, public meetings, processions, or any activity intended to influence voters.

The restriction is designed to provide voters with sufficient time to reflect independently before casting their ballots, free from active political campaigning.

Outsiders Asked to Leave the Constituency

District Magistrate Kundan Kumar stated that star campaigners, political workers, and other individuals who are not registered voters of the Bankipur Assembly constituency must leave the constituency during the silent period.

He explained that only local voters and individuals officially authorized for election duties would be permitted to remain within the constituency for election-related purposes.

The administration has appealed to all political parties to cooperate fully in implementing the Election Commission's directions.

Strict Monitoring of Hotels and Lodges

To ensure compliance with election regulations, the district administration has launched special inspection drives at hotels, lodges, guest houses, and other places where outsiders may be staying.

Officials are verifying the identities of occupants and checking whether any political workers or campaigners who are not eligible to remain in the constituency are still present.

Authorities said the inspections are intended to prevent any attempt to influence voters during the silent period.

Warning of Strict Legal Action

During the joint press briefing, the District Magistrate and the Senior Superintendent of Police emphasized that strict action will be taken against anyone found violating election rules.

They warned that organizing unauthorized meetings, distributing campaign material, attempting to influence voters, or violating the Model Code of Conduct would result in legal proceedings under the applicable election laws.

The administration has instructed all enforcement agencies to maintain heightened vigilance until polling concludes.

Security Arrangements Strengthened

The administration has further strengthened security arrangements across the constituency to ensure peaceful polling.

Central Armed Paramilitary Forces, Bihar Police personnel, and magistrates have been deployed at sensitive locations. Surveillance teams, flying squads, and static monitoring units remain active to keep a close watch on any suspicious activity.

Senior officials said every effort is being made to maintain law and order and ensure that voters can exercise their democratic rights without fear or intimidation.

Surveillance Through Technology

Authorities are also making extensive use of surveillance technology during the silent period.

CCTV cameras, video surveillance teams, and dedicated control rooms are monitoring important locations across the constituency. Social media platforms are also being watched to identify and act against any attempts to spread misinformation, inflammatory content, or unlawful election propaganda.

Officials urged citizens to report any violation of election rules to the administration immediately.

Appeal to Voters

The Election Commission and district administration have appealed to voters to participate enthusiastically in the democratic process while strictly adhering to election rules.

Officials urged voters not to be influenced by rumors, misinformation, or illegal inducements and to report any suspicious activity to the nearest election official or police authority.

They also encouraged citizens to reach polling stations on time and cast their votes peacefully.

Polling on July 30, Counting on August 3

According to the Election Commission's schedule, polling for the Bankipur Assembly by-election will take place on July 30, while the counting of votes is scheduled for August 3.

After polling concludes, all Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will be sealed and transported under tight security to designated strong rooms, where they will remain under continuous surveillance until counting day.

Administration Ready for Peaceful Polling

With campaigning over and the silent period now in force, the district administration has entered the final phase of election preparations.

Officials have reiterated their commitment to conducting a free, fair, transparent, and peaceful election. Strict enforcement of election rules, enhanced security deployment, continuous surveillance, and close coordination among all departments are expected to ensure that the democratic process is conducted smoothly.

As voters prepare to head to polling booths on July 30, the administration has assured them that all necessary arrangements have been made to guarantee a safe and impartial voting environment.