Desk Correspondent , New Delhi - Exit polls for the 2026 assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry will be released after 6:30 pm on Wednesday, April 29, once the final phase of polling in West Bengal concludes. The Election Commission of India (ECI) imposed a ban on conducting and disseminating exit polls from 7:00 am on April 9 until 6:30 pm on April 29 under Section 126A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, to prevent any influence on voters during the multi-phase elections.

Major news channels and digital platforms are expected to broadcast seat projections and analysis for the 824 assembly constituencies starting immediately after the embargo lifts. Viewers can watch live updates on networks such as India Today, Aaj Tak, and their websites, as well as other prominent media outlets. The actual counting of votes for all states is scheduled for May 4.

The restrictions aim to ensure free and fair elections, with violations punishable by up to two years in prison or a fine or both. Polling in West Bengal's second and final phase ended at 6 pm on April 29, following earlier phases and single-day voting in the other states, marking the end of a keenly watched electoral contest across the five regions.