Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai

Chennai, Mar 24: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced a complete ban on the publication, dissemination, or display of Exit Polls during the ongoing Assembly elections across five States and Union Territories.

Polling is scheduled as follows:

• Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry on April 9
• Tamil Nadu23
• West Bengal entire polling period in all phases.

Issued under the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the order prohibits the dissemination of Exit Poll results via print, electronic, or any other medium during the specified period. The ban is aimed at preventing undue influence on voters and ensuring free and fair elections.

Archana Patnaik emphasized that strict rules also apply to Opinion Polls and related election content during the final 48 hours before polling in each State, the so-called “silence period,” ensuring voters can make decisions without external pressures or speculative projections.

Violations of these regulations may invite penal action under the Representation of the People Act and other applicable statutes. Media outlets, digital platforms, and political stakeholders have been urged to comply fully.

With campaigning intensifying in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry, the ECI’s enforcement of these guidelines is expected to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and maintain a level playing field.