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As voting across West Bengal for the 2026 Assembly elections nears to a conclusion, all eyes are on exit polls of four states (West Bengal, Assam, Kerala and Tamil Nadu) and one Union Territory (Puducherry), that offers the first glimpse into what voters may have decided at the ballot box.
The Madras State went to polls on April 23 for all 234 Assembly constituencies. According to the Election Commission of India, the state recorded a voter turnout of 85.10% and the counting of votes for assembly elections in four states (Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam and Kerala) and one Union Territory (Puducherry) will be held on May 4. To win the election, a party needs to secure at least 118 seats to win.
Several media houses and research agencies have fanned out across polling stations to conduct on-the-spot surveys, asking voters about their choices and the factors that influenced their decisions. These responses are being compiled and analysed to project vote share and possible seat outcomes, with early trends expected to emerge shortly.
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What are exit polls and how do they work?
After voters cast their vote, exit polls are conducted, making them different from opinion polls that are held weeks or months before elections. While opinion polls attempt to gauge public sentiment ahead of polling, exit polls capture voter preferences after the final decision has been made.
Why Exit Poll predictions can go wrong
These projections by the agencies should be viewed with caution. Exit polls are based on sample surveys and not the entire electorate, and their accuracy has often been debated. In past elections, predictions have deviated significantly from actual results due to factors such as limited sample sizes, non-response and voters choosing not to reveal their true preferences.
Despite the uncertainties, exit polls remain a key indicator in the immediate aftermath of voting, offering early insights into potential winners and shifting political trends.
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Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin is seeking a second term for the DMK-led alliance. For decades, Tamil Nadu’s electoral politics has largely followed a pattern of alternation between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). However, with actor Vijay and his party TVK’s entry, it is likely to shift the dimension in the contest.
(Disclaimer: Exit polls are statistical projections based on voter interviews conducted immediately after polling. They are not official results and should be treated only as indicative trends.)
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18:02 (IST) 29 Apr 2026
When will Tamil Nadu Exit Poll results 2026 be released?
According to the Election Commission guidelines, all media platforms are barred from publishing or broadcasting any election-related content. The exit poll results will be released on April 29, after 6:30 PM.
17:53 (IST) 29 Apr 2026
How accurate were 2021 Tamil Nadu exit polls?
In 2021, exit polls for Tamil Nadu predicted that the MK Stalin-led Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) would unseat the then ruling AIADMK.
17:34 (IST) 29 Apr 2026
How many seats required to form the government in Tamil Nadu?
In the 234-seat assembly, a party must secure 118 seats to form the government in Tamil Nadu.
17:18 (IST) 29 Apr 2026
Vijay's TVK electoral debut
Actor Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) made its electoral debut in 2026. The actor-turned-politician is contesting from two constituencies, Perambur and Tiruchirappalli (East).
17:12 (IST) 29 Apr 2026
Voter turnout in Tamil Nadu Assembly Election 2026
According to the Election Commission of India, over 2.52 crore women casted their votes. The EC recorded male voters of 2.35 crore, which was 83.96 per cent of the total male electorate in the state.
16:59 (IST) 29 Apr 2026
Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026
The 234-member Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Election 2026 was held in a single phase on April 23. The results set to be announced by the Election Commission on May 4. The election witnessed a direct contest between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) alliance and by the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) alliance.
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