West Bengal exit polls 2026 Date and Time: Check when you can get an idea who is leading the TMC vs BJP race

With campaigning for the West Bengal Assembly elections concluding on April 27, exit polls for West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry will be declared on April 29 after 6:30 pm.

Voting for Phase 2 of the West Bengal Assembly elections is scheduled for April 29, with the silence period in force until 6:00 pm the same day. During this time, all media platforms are prohibited from publishing or broadcasting election-related content.

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Restrictions on media and opinion polls

The Election Commission has directed television, radio channels and cable networks to ensure that content broadcast during the silence period does not include material that could influence voters or affect the outcome of the election. This includes any form of opinion polls or views that may promote or prejudice the prospects of candidates or parties.

Also Read: West Bengal elections 2026: As Kolkata votes tomorrow, check IMD's weather forecast on day of TMC vs BJP high-stakes clash

Exit poll ban timeline and penalties

Media organisations have been informed that conducting and publishing exit polls is prohibited from 7:00 am on April 9 until 6:30 pm on April 29. Any violation of these rules may attract punishment of up to two years of imprisonment, a fine, or both.

High turnout recorded in first phase

In the first phase, West Bengal recorded a voter turnout of nearly 92 per cent amid isolated incidents of violence, while Tamil Nadu saw voting of over 84 per cent. The elections have seen the Bharatiya Janata Party attempting to unseat the Mamata Banerjee led government in West Bengal and expand its presence in Tamil Nadu, while the Trinamool Congress is seeking a fourth consecutive term.

The second phase of polling in West Bengal will cover the remaining 142 of the total 294 seats on April 29. Counting of votes for Kerala, Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry will take place on May 4.