Poll paraphernalia displayed for sale at a shop in Palakkad, Kerala. | Photo Credit: K K Mustafah The Election Commission of India has issued an advisory on the beginning of the 48-hour silent period in view of the upcoming Assembly Elections in West Bengal, Assam, Puducherry, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.  In the advisory, the ECI has issued strict guidelines for media platforms to ensure a fair voting environment. Follow | Assembly Elections 2026 LIVE Updates What is the silent period? The silent period is the time (usually 48 hours) before the polling day in which the media and other public information platforms are not allowed to disseminate content that may influence the results of the election or favour any one particular political party.  Under Section 126 (1)(b) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, displaying “election matter” via television or similar apparatus is prohibited during the 48 hours ending with the conclusion of the poll. Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry are going to the ballot on April 9, 2026. Tamil Nadu is going on April …