NEW DELHI: Campaigning came to an end on Saturday in 51 constituencies spread over seven states which will go to the polls on Monday in the fifth phase of the mega seven-phase electoral exercise.

Since poll timings vary in different seats, the campaigning period also ended at different times between 4 p.m and 6 p.m., 48 hours before the voting closure time at each constituency.

The 48-hour period preceding the conclusion of voting is called the "silence period" during which any kind of political campaigning is prohibited.

As the silence period began, election rallies and street corner meetings ended in 14 constituencies in Uttar Pradesh, 12 in Rajasthan, seven each in Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal, five in Bihar and four in Jharkhand. 

Campaigning also ended in Ladakh, and Pulwama and Shopian districts of Anantnag constituency in Jammu and Kashmir.