Has Jan Ki Baat Released Election Predictions For Odisha? Here's The Truth About Exit Poll

In a clear case of violation of the model code of conduct, a TV channel in Odisha has allegedly released an exit poll for the Odisha elections.

Several users on social media shared a clip of Nandighosha TV telecasting exit poll results. The channel apparently credited Jan Ki Baat for the data.

Many people on social demanded action against the channel. "Dear @ECISVEEP, @secodisha one news channel of Odisha @NandighoshaTV trying to spread fake news of exit poll results of Odisha general election on the name of @jankibaat1 survey ..Please take immediate action on this..."

However, Jan Ki Baat has issued a clarification saying that it has not released the exit poll and demanded action against the channel for poll code of conduct violation.

In a post on X, it said, "We have not released any exit polls on the Odisha Assembly Elections 2024. This is a clear violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). We request the Election Commission of India (ECI) to take necessary legal action in this regard."

Exit polls are prohibited under section 126A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, before the conclusion of elections in all phases.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission has directed its Odisha chief electoral officer to take immediate action against Nandighosha TV for telecasting exit poll results in the state, PTI reported citing sources.

The final phase of the Lok Sabha polls is scheduled for Saturday, marking the culmination of the election process. Simultaneously, assembly polls in Odisha are conducted alongside the general elections. The Election Commission had officially declared the prohibited period from 7 am on April 19 to 6.30 PM on June 1 through an order issued on March 28.