Opinion Poll Release Banned Till 6.30 pm: EC

The Election Commission of India has reiterated that opinion and exit polls related to the ongoing Assembly elections must not be released until 6.30 p.m. on Wednesday, warning media outlets against any violations.
The Commission stated that the restriction is in force under Section 126A(1) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which prohibits the publication or dissemination of opinion polls during the notified polling period.
Polling for Assembly elections has been conducted in multiple states, with voting held earlier in Puducherry, Kerala and Assam. Subsequent phases of polling, including those in other states, are concluding today, with voting scheduled to continue till 6 p.m.
The Commission emphasised that no television channel, digital platform or other media outlet should broadcast or publish opinion or exit poll results until the stipulated time of 6.30 p.m. Officials warned that strict action would be taken against any individual or organisation found violating the provisions of the law.