Overview
- The Election Commission of India announced a bar on conducting or sharing exit polls for the entire window from 7 a.m. April 9 to 6:30 p.m. April 29.
- The order draws on the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and covers print, television, websites, social media and any other channel.
- Assam, Kerala and Puducherry vote on April 9, Tamil Nadu on April 23, and West Bengal on April 23 and April 29, with counting on May 4.
- Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik also reminded outlets that opinion polls and election content face a 48-hour silence period on electronic media before each state’s polls close.
- Officials warned that violations could invite penal action, and media and digital platforms were instructed to ensure compliance to preserve a level playing field for voters.