Kamal Ghorui
Tamil Nadu exit polls 2026: Date, time, when and where to watch exit polls
The stage is set for a high-stakes electoral showdown as results emerge on May 4 for the Tamil Nadu assembly elections. All eyes are on the fate of 234 constituencies hangs in the balance following the conclusion of polling on April 23.With counting yet to take place, attention now shifts to exit polls, which are expected to offer early indications of voter preference in this closely watched election.
The electoral battle is primarily between the DMK-led alliance and the AIADMK-led front. Chief minister MK Stalin is seeking a second consecutive term, while AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami is aiming to reclaim power after five years.Tamil Nadu’s political arena continues to be dominated by Dravidian parties, with national parties playing a secondary role. The BJP is contesting in alliance with the AIADMK, while the Congress remains aligned with the ruling DMK.The AIADMK, which last won the Assembly election in 2016 under J Jayalalithaa, has struggled to regain its dominance following her death. Leadership transitions involving O Panneerselvam and EPS have reshaped the party’s trajectory.A new entrant has added intrigue to this election—Tamil superstar Vijay, who has launched his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. His campaign has drawn massive crowds and significant attention, marking a fresh variable in Tamil Nadu politics.
Key constituencies
Several constituencies are expected to play a crucial role in determining the outcome:
- Kolathur: MK Stalin seeks to retain his stronghold
- Chepauk: Udhayanidhi Stalin faces a key electoral test
- Tiruchirapalli East & Perambur: Actor Vijay makes his political debut
- Edappadi: EPS aims to secure another victory
- Bodinayakkanur: A high-profile contest following O Panneerselvam’s switch to DMK
- Mylapore: Tamilisai Soundararajan in focus
- Sattur: Nainar Nagendran adds to the contest’s intensity
These seats are likely to be closely tracked as early indicators of broader electoral trends.Tamil Nadu recorded a total of around 4.87 crore votes in the election, reflecting strong voter participation across the state. The turnout is expected to play a decisive role in shaping the final outcome, particularly in tightly contested constituencies.
When and where to watch exit polls
As per Election Commission (EC) guidelines, exit polls cannot be released until 30 minutes after polling concludes in the final phase. For the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, exit poll results will be available after 6.30pm on April 29.Viewers can follow live updates, trends, and detailed analysis of exit polls on The Times of India.
What are exit polls?
Exit polls are surveys conducted immediately after voters cast their ballots. Unlike opinion polls, which gauge voter sentiment before voting, exit polls are based on actual voter responses about whom they voted for.You can track the latest exit poll trends here.
