Exit poll ban imposed for 2026 assembly elections, including Puducherry

New Delhi, Mar 29, 2026 : A ban has been imposed on conducting and publishing exit polls in connection with the 2026 Assembly elections, including in Puducherry. According to Section 126A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, exit polls cannot be conducted or their results published or disseminated from the start of polling on the first day until half an hour after the conclusion of polling in all states and Union Territories.

Puducherry Chief Electoral Officer P. Jawahar informed that the ban will remain in force from 7 AM on April 9 till 6:30 PM on April 29, 2026. He added that violations will attract punishment, including imprisonment up to two years, a fine, or both.