Puducherry Highest at 89.13%, Assam Follows At 85% In Voter Turnout- Why Exit Polls Are Not Out Yet

Assam, Kerala and Puducherry recorded a strong voter turnout on Thursday as polling for the Assembly elections concluded in the two states and the Union Territory. Till 6 pm, Assam registered a voter turnout of 85.07%, Kerala 77.45%, and Puducherry 89.13%. These figures are provisional and subject to revision. Voting was held for 126 seats in Assam, 140 in Kerala, and 30 in Puducherry.While polling has concluded in these regions, elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal are scheduled for April 23. West Bengal will vote in two phases, April 23 and April 29. The counting of votes will take place simultaneously on May 4.With polling for the Assembly elections in Kerala, Assam and Puducherry now complete, focus is turning to exit polls. However,

their release will be delayed due to restrictions imposed by the Election Commission.The Election Commission of India has enforced a strict ban on both the conduct and publication of exit polls during the ongoing elections across five states and one Union Territory, citing legal provisions aimed at ensuring free and fair voting.According to the Election Commission of India, exit polls cannot be conducted or published from 7 am on April 9 until 6:30 pm on April 29. The restriction applies across all media platforms, including television, print, digital outlets and any other agencies involved in election coverage.The poll body has warned that any violation of these rules will attract action under Section 126A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Conducting or broadcasting exit polls during the prohibited period can lead to imprisonment of up to two years, a fine, or both.The Election Commission has barred the conduct and publication of exit polls from 7 am on April 9 until 6:30 pm on April 29. The restriction applies to all media platforms, including television, print, digital outlets and any other agencies involved in election coverage.The poll body has warned that any violation will invite action under Section 126A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Conducting or airing exit polls during this period can lead to imprisonment of up to two years, a fine, or both.The Commission has also reiterated the enforcement of the mandatory 48-hour “silence period” ahead of the close of polling in each state. In Kerala and Puducherry, the silence period begins at 6 pm on Tuesday, while in Assam it starts at 5 pm. During this time, all public campaigning must come to a complete halt.The silence period refers to the 48 hours leading up to the end of voting in a constituency or state, during which election-related activities are strictly restricted. Except for limited door-to-door outreach by candidates or a small number of party workers, all other forms of campaigning are prohibited.