Full state honors for Ratan Tata, one day mourning announced in Maharashtra
As the 18th Lok Sabha Elections conclude on June 1, exit polls have become a significant topic of discussion, offering insights into voter sentiments and potential election outcomes. Exit polls involve private agencies asking voters about their choices as they leave polling stations, either in-person or online. These polls provide an immediate snapshot of voter preferences, with notable organizations like India Today-Axis, CNN News 18-IPSOS, Times Now-VMR, and Republic-Jan Ki Baat among those conducting them.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) enforces strict regulations on the conduct and publication of exit polls. These polls can only be conducted after voting concludes and must not be published or broadcast until the final round of voting ends. This rule aims to prevent influencing undecided voters. Despite their popularity and media coverage, exit polls are merely indicative and not definitive, with the ECI's official results being the ultimate authority.