India Today: Watch 2026 Exit Polls for Bengal, Kerala, TN Elections Live

India Today is set to provide comprehensive coverage of the 2026 Assembly elections in several key Indian states and one Union Territory, focusing on the release and broadcast of exit poll predictions. These predictions, offering an early indication of voter sentiment, will be available for West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and Puducherry. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has set specific guidelines for the release of exit polls, allowing them to be published only after the conclusion of the final phase of voting. For the 2026 elections, this means exit poll results will be accessible after voting ends on April 29, 2026. Viewers can tune into India Today and its sister channel Aaj Tak for live updates, expert analysis, and state-wise breakdowns. These platforms will offer continuous coverage across TV and digital channels. The 2026 Indian state elections have a detailed schedule, with polling for Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry taking place on April 9. Tamil Nadu's single-phase election was held on April 23, and West Bengal's elections were conducted in two phases: April 23 and April 29. The counting of votes for all participating states and the Union Territory is scheduled for May 4, 2026. This comprehensive electoral process will decide the fate of 824 assembly seats across these five legislatures. The reliability of exit polls has been a subject of discussion, particularly in light of past elections. In the 2021 West Bengal elections, for instance, most exit polls significantly underestimated the Trinamool Congress's victory and overestimated the BJP's performance. Similarly, while exit polls were largely accurate in Tamil Nadu and Assam in 2021, they were slightly off in Kerala. The Indian Express reported that in West Bengal 2021, exit polls had predicted a narrow win for the Trinamool Congress, but the party achieved a landslide victory. India Today-Axis My India's prediction in 2021 for West Bengal was also noted for being considerably off the mark. For Tamil Nadu in 2021, many exit polls overestimated the DMK's performance. Despite these historical discrepancies, exit polls continue to be a significant indicator of voter mood immediately following the election. India Today, as a news organization, has a strong reputation for its journalism in India. It is generally considered a reliable source, known for its comprehensive coverage of politics, business, entertainment, and sports. The outlet has a fact-checking unit and adheres to a non-partisanship policy, although some analyses suggest a slight right-center bias in its national political reporting. The Media Bias/Fact Check (MBFC) rates India Today as right-center biased with mixed factual reporting due to some past failed fact checks, but generally trustworthy for information with a need for further investigation. Despite occasional criticisms regarding sensationalist headlines, its commitment to journalistic standards and its robust fact-checking mechanisms contribute to its overall credibility. The article by India Today serves as a guide for its audience, informing them about the timings and platforms where they can access the exit poll predictions. It highlights the importance of these polls as an immediate post-election indicator, even as the nation awaits the final results on May 4, 2026. The focus is on providing viewers with clear information on how to follow the election predictions live, underscoring India Today's role as a primary news source for election-related developments in India.

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