Punjab by-elections: EC issues instruction on exit, opinion polls

Chandigarh, Aug 12: In view of by-elections to Talwandi Sabo and Patiala Assembly segments in Punjab, the Election Commission has issued instructions restricting conduct of exit poll and dissemination of its results between 7.00 am and 6.30 pm on August 21, the polling day.

Punjab Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) V K Singh said here today that the EC had on July 19 announced the schedule for by-elections to Patiala and Talwandi Sabo constituencies.

"As per the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, there will be restrictions on conduct of any exit poll and publication and dissemination of result of such exit poll during the period between 7.00 am and 6.30 pm on August 21," he said.

The bypolls were necessitated after Patiala MLA Amarinder Singh got elected to Lok Sabha from Amritsar, and sitting Congress MLA from Talwandi Sabo Jeet Mohinder Singh Sidhu deserted the party to join the ruling SAD.

PTI