Lok Sabha Elections 2024: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has halted the proposed tour of Governor of West Bengal to Cooch Behar. Governor CV Ananda Bose was supposed to travel to Cooch Behar on 18-19 April, during the silence period which was in violation of MCC, reports ANI.
Why Bengal Governor’s Cooch Behar tour was halted by EC?
The polling body noted in its communication that no local programme or any other function can be organised for the Govenor under the Model Code of Conduct and being poll day. Another reason for advising the halt of Bengal Governor’s visit to Cooch Behar. Another reason mentioned by the EC was the deployment of police force on election management duty.
As entire district administration and police force will be fully occupied with election management on April 18-19, 2024, it would be difficult to divert personnel for duties related to security cover for the visit.
The Election Commission also mentioned the beginning of silence period on Wednesday evening, in its communication to halt the proposed tour of Governor of West Bengal in the the district on April 19. No imminently known requirement to visit the place will affect the polling officials and the process in the area, sources told ANI.
What is silence period?
As per Section 126 of the Representation of Peoples Act 1951, the “silence period” for 1-Cooch Behar starts on April 17, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., which brings, inter alia, a multitude of restrictions and a higher level of enforcement by the election authorities.
Silence period is imposed in an area nearly 48 hours before elections. It is also known as pre-election silence. During this period, no campaign-related or election related activity is allowed in the area. The silence period before election allows voters to take a peaceful break and ensures that they are not influenced by campaigns so that they can take unbiased decision at the time of voting.
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Published: 17 Apr 2024, 05:17 PM IST