EC poll-eve regulations to come into force from Tuesday in TN

As campaign for the April 18 Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu draws to a close Tuesday, the Election Commission Monday said a series of regulations will come into force ahead of the polling day.

The regulations include no display to public of any election matter by means of cinematograph, television or other media like FM radio, WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter, state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Satyabrata Sahoo said.

While polling will be held from 7 AM to 6 PM in the 38 of the total 39 Lok Sabha seats and 18 bypoll-bound assembly segments, in Madurai Parliamentary constituency, the duration will be extended upto 8 PM, he said in a release here.

The EC had extended the time in Madurai in response to demands for postponing the polling there as it coincided with the popular two-week long Chithirai festival of the famous Goddess Meenakshi temple there, which runs from April 8 to April 22 with two key events slated for April 17 and 18.

Lakhs of devotees throng the temple town for the events.

Other regulations included a ban on convening or attending any public meeting or procession in connection with elections, propagating any poll matter by holding or arranging any musical concert or theatrical performance or by any other form of entertainment, the CEO said.

Marriage halls, community halls, lodges and guest houses would be checked to find out whether outsiders have been accommodated, he said.

Opinion and exit polls were banned during this time, he added.

The high-decibel campaign for the polls in Tamil Nadu will come to an end at 5 PM Tuesday.