From correspondents in Delhi, India, 10:00 PM IST

The cabinet Wednesday approved a proposal to restrict publication of exit polls till the last phase of balloting ends, Finance Minister P. Chidambaram said.

'Restriction on telecasting of exit polls would enable voters to exercise their right to vote without being influenced by the projection of (exit polls) after one phase of voting is over and other phases of voting are yet to be completed,' he told reporters after a cabinet meeting presided over by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

A bill to be introduced in the month-long session of parliament from Oct 17 would amend the Representation of People Act to give effect to the proposed ban, he added.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)