evidence: Opinion surveys of mainstream media outlets projected a decisive victory for the BJP and its coalition, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). However, the BJP won 240 seats, down from the 303 it had secured in 2019, and lost its singular majority in the Lok Sabha, although the NDA overall secured 293 of the house's 543 seats.[18] The INDIA coalition outperformed expectations, securing 234 seats, 99 of which were won by the Congress, garnering the party the official opposition status for the first time in 10 years.[19][20][21] Seven independents and ten candidates from non-aligned parties also won seats in the Lok Sabha.[22][23][24] [...] The Election Commission of India banned the publication of all exit polls starting 48 hours before Phase 1 of the election until the end of Phase 7. This was intended to prevent exit polls from earlier phases affecting voter decisions in later phases. The ban ended after the close of Phase 7 voting at 18:30 IST on 1 June 2024.[250] [...] - ^ Dash, Nivedita (1 June 2024). "India TV-CNX Exit Poll predicts record third term for PM Modi with massive majority: Highlights". www.indiatvnews.com. Retrieved 3 June 2024.