With the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) now in force ahead of the Assam Assembly elections, authorities have started removing political banners, posters and flags from public places across Guwahati.Teams from the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC), along with local administration officials, carried out drives in different parts of the city on Monday. Political hoardings, party symbols and campaign materials were taken down from roadsides, electric poles and other public spaces.Officials said the action is being taken as per the guidelines of the Election Commission of India (ECI), which aims to ensure a level playing field for all political parties during the election period.
The MCC came into effect immediately after the Election Commission announced the poll schedule for Assam on March 15. From that point, strict rules have been put in place regarding campaigning, use of public property and use of government resources.As per the schedule, the official notification for the elections was issued on March 16. The last date for filing nominations is March 23, while scrutiny of nomination papers will be held on March 24. Candidates can withdraw their names till March 26.Polling for all 126 Assembly constituencies in Assam will take place in a single phase on April 9. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.
Election officials said monitoring teams have been deployed across districts to ensure that the Model Code of Conduct is followed properly. Authorities have also asked political parties and their supporters to follow the rules so that elections can be conducted in a free and fair manner.