Hyderabad: Telangana is gearing up for the assembly elections scheduled for December 7. As a precautionary measure, the election commission has banned bulk short messaging services (SMS) from December 5 to December 7.

The announcement was made by Chief Electoral Officer banning SMS transmission from 6pm today to 6pm on December 7.

Explaining the reason, Director General of Police (DGP), M Mahender Reddy said that the measure was taken to prevent electoral offences that will disrupt the law and order situation in the state. The ban will also help in conducting free and fair elections.

He also said that even bulk SMS transmissions initiated from other states or licensing service areas known as telecom circles have been terminated for two days in Telangana.

The ban has been initiated based on the sections of Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 and as per Government Orders.

Transmission of all the bulk SMS, use of mobile and PRI lines and IVRS numbers for election campaign or of political nature will be stopped for specified 48 hours throughout Telangana, the statement clarified.

Results of the assembly election will be out on December 11.