What is Prohibited? (List of Restrictions)
1. Ban on Meetings and Processions: No public meetings, processions, street-corner meetings, or political gatherings of any kind are permitted within the district. Furthermore, no campaigning is allowed via social media or television.
2. Order for Outsiders to Leave: Individuals who are not registered voters of this district—but have arrived for political campaigning purposes—must leave the district immediately. It is strictly prohibited for political workers to stay in any guest houses or lodges.
3. Strict Restrictions Within 100 Meters of Booths: No one, other than registered voters and election officials, will be granted entry within a 100-meter radius of any polling station. No loitering or campaigning activities are permitted in this zone.
4. Weapons and Provocative Messages: Carrying any form of weapon, bursting firecrackers, or delivering provocative speeches will be treated as a fully punishable offense.
Vigilance at the Odisha Border
To prevent miscreants or individuals capable of influencing the election from entering the district from Odisha prior to the polls, the inter-state border has been sealed. Check-posts and security checks have been significantly intensified along the Odisha border. However, exemptions have been granted for emergency services—such as ambulances—and for trucks transporting essential commodities.
Strict Rules for Voters
On election day, the use of mobile phones is strictly prohibited both inside and in the immediate vicinity of polling booths. This measure has been implemented to safeguard the secrecy of the ballot. Only security personnel and Presiding Officers are authorized to use mobile phones, strictly in accordance with established protocols. The administration plans to conduct surveillance in the sensitive polling booths of East Medinipur using CCTV cameras and drones. All in all, an atmosphere of palpable tension currently prevails across the district as efforts are made to deliver a 'peaceful election.'