Puducherry Election Results 2026 Live Updates: People's blessings to NDA in Puducherry polls will add momentum to good governance efforts, says PM Narendra Modi
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THE TIMES OF INDIA | May 05, 2026, 18:04:54 IST
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Puducherry Election Results 2026 Live Updates: People's blessings to NDA in Puducherry polls will add momentum to good governance efforts, says PM Narendra Modi

Puducherry Election Results 2026 Live Updates: Counting begins across 30 constituencies as the ruling NDA eyes a second term. The Puducherry assembly elections, held on April 9, witnessed a historic voter turnout of 89.87%—the highest since the former French colony’s merger with India in 1964. All eyes are now on the counting of votes, which will begin at 8 am today.

The polling process

According to the Puducherry Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), counting will take place at six centres across the four regions of the Union Territory: Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam.

A total of 166 counting tables have been set up for the counting of votes from Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and VVPATs, along with 35 tables dedicated to postal ballot counting.

The contestants

The contest was primarily between two major alliances: the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Congress-DMK alliance. The NDA consisted of chief minister N Rangasamy’s All India NR Congress (AINRC), the BJP, AIADMK, and the newly formed Latchiya Jananayaga Katchi (LJK). Under the seat-sharing arrangement, AINRC contested 16 seats and the BJP 14. From its share, the BJP allotted two seats each to AIADMK and LJK, while fielding candidates in 10 constituencies itself.

On the opposition side, Congress contested 16 seats and DMK 14, though the two allies also engaged in “friendly fights” in five constituencies.

The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by superstar Vijay, also entered the fray. Making its electoral debut, the party contested 28 constituencies and allotted two seats to Neyam Makkal Kazhagam, another newly formed outfit.

Battle of Thattanchavady

Among the 30 assembly constituencies, Thattanchavady emerged as the most high-profile seat, with chief Minister N Rangasamy pitted against Congress leader V Vaithilingam, a former two-term chief minister and the current MP from the Union Territory’s lone Lok Sabha seat. Rangasamy, who is seeking a second consecutive term as an NDA chief minister—his fifth overall—is also the sitting MLA from Thattanchavady in Puducherry district.

Key highlights
  • Puducherry assembly is a 33-member House. While 30 members are elected by voters, three are nominated by the central government.
  • Besides Thattanchavady, Rangasamy contested from Mangalam. In 2021, too, he contested two seats: Thattanchavady (won) and Yanam (lost)
  • The 89.87% polling surpassed the previous record of 85.57% turnout from the 2011 Puducherry assembly polls.
  • Puducherry has not re-elected a government since 2006, when the Congress secured a second consecutive term.
  • On that occasion, Rangasamy led the Congress to victory, securing his own re-election as a two-term CM. He launched AINRC in 2011 and won two more terms (2011 and 2021).
18:04 (IST) May 05
BJP elects A. Namassivayam as legislative party leader in Puducherry, oath date soon
BJP In-Charge Nirmal Kumar Surana announced that the party has elected A. Namassivayam as its Legislative Party leader following a meeting of MLAs.

"We had a meeting of our MLAs today, and we elected A. Namassivayam as our Legislative Party leader. It will be decided very soon (oath-taking ceremony). We are focusing on the CM oath-taking ceremony," Surana said.

The NDA is set to form its government in Puducherry after securing 18 seats in the 30-member Assembly.
14:59 (IST) May 05
Puducherry Election Results 2026: NDA secures 18 seats, set to form government in Puducherry
A meeting is underway at the BJP office in Puducherry with Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, BJP In-Charge Nirmal Kumar Surana, State Home Minister A. Namassivayam, LJK President and Kamaraj Nagar MLA Jose Charles Martin, and Independent candidate Vignesh R.

The NDA is set to form its government in Puducherry with AINR Congress winning 12 seats, BJP 4, and AIADMK 1 seat, taking the alliance total to 18 in the 30-member Assembly.
13:51 (IST) May 05
CM’s charisma, divided opposition give NDA a second tenure in Pondy

A fragmented opposition, All India NR Congress (AINRC) founder and chief minister N Rangasamy's charisma and his govt's freebies ensured NDA retained power in the Union territory of Puducherry.



The opposition parties, Congress, DMK and others, failed to present a unified front against the mightier AINRC-BJP-AIADMK-LJK combine.Congress fielded candidates in five constituencies allotted to its alliance partner DMK, leading to confusion among functionaries and cadres of the two parties and voters alike.



And INDIA bloc was decimated in the polls. Rangasamy, who won in both the seats he contested, is set to become CM for a record fifth time. Apart from his maiden poll in 1990, Rangasamy had won all the eight assembly elections he contested since 1991.NDA won 18 seats (AINRC-12, BJP-4, AIADMK-1 and LJK-1). A total of 16 seats is required for a simple majority in the 30-member House. The INDIA bloc won six seats (DMK-5 and Congress-1). Several seats witnessed neck-and-neck battles. Independent candidates won three seats.

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12:41 (IST) May 05
Puducherry Election Results 2026: LJK founder Martin wins from Kamaraj Nagar

LJK founder Jose Charles Martin won from the Kamaraj Nagar constituency in Puducherry on Monday, defeating Congress candidate P K Devadoss.

LJK is an alliance partner in the AINRC-led NDA in the Union Territory.

According to Election Commission data, Martin secured 16,592 votes, while Devadoss received 10,205 votes.



11:39 (IST) May 05
Puducherry Election Results 2026 Live: NDA retains Puducherry, set for another term

Riding a pro-incumbency wave, the AINRC-led NDA secured a decisive victory in the April 9 Puducherry Assembly elections and is set to retain power in the Union Territory for another term.

AINRC chief and Chief Minister N Rangasamy registered wins from both constituencies he contested — Thattanchavady and Mangalam. According to the latest Election Commission figures, the party won 11 seats and was leading in one more constituency.

Polling for all 30 Assembly seats in Puducherry was held on April 9. The territorial Assembly also has three nominated members.

Among NDA allies, the BJP won four seats, while the AIADMK and LJK secured one seat each.

Senior BJP leader and incumbent minister A Namassivayam was among the party’s prominent winners.

The NDA’s victory in Puducherry came on a day when actor Vijay-led TVK posted a strong performance in neighbouring Tamil Nadu and also won two seats in the Union Territory.

Puducherry, located around 160 km from Chennai, is bordered by Tamil Nadu’s Cuddalore and Villupuram districts.


10:29 (IST) May 05
Puducherry Election Results 2026 Live: TVK wins two seats

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam candidates B Ramu and Sai J Saravanan Kumar on Monday won from the Manavely and Thirubuvanai Assembly constituencies respectively in Puducherry.

The Assembly elections in the Union Territory were held on April 9. The polls marked the electoral debut of the TVK, led by actor-turned-politician Vijay.

According to Election Commission data, Ramu secured 13,882 votes in Manavely, defeating Embalam Selvam of the Bharatiya Janata Party, who polled 10,729 votes.

Selvam had served as the speaker of the outgoing Assembly.

In Thirubuvanai, Sai J Saravanan Kumar of TVK won after securing 9,740 votes, while B Kobiga of the Indian National Congress received 9,039 votes.

Puducherry has a 30-member Assembly, and the All India N.R. Congress-led NDA is expected to retain power in the Union Territory.

09:39 (IST) May 05
Puducherry Election Results 2026 Live: Raghav Chadha hails BJP's historic win in West Bengal, Assam, and Puducherry
Raghav Chadha, who recently joined theBharatiya Janata Party, congratulated the party on its strong performance in the assembly elections inWest Bengal,AssamandPuducherry, while particularly highlighting the party’s historic showing in West Bengal.

In a post on X, Chadha praised the BJP’s performance in West Bengal, where the party is poised to emerge as the single-largest party by crossing the halfway mark of 148 seats. The election trends indicated a major political shift in the state, with the BJP winning 91 seats and leading in 115 constituencies, posing a serious challenge to Chief MinisterMamata Banerjee-ledAll India Trinamool Congress, which has dominated the state’s politics for years.

"Congratulations to the entire BJP family on the impressive election results, with West Bengal marking a historic & decisive victory that stands out as truly remarkable. The outcomes from Assam and Puducherry further reflect people's continued faith in development and strong governance," Chadha wrote on X.

"This victory stands as a testament to the decisive leadership of Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi Ji, the strategic vision of Hon'ble HM Shri @AmitShah Ji, and the dedicated efforts of BJP National President Shri @NitinNabin Ji. Congratulations to the entire BJP family on the impressive election results, with West Bengal marking a historic & decisive victory that stands out as truly remarkable," it added.


08:17 (IST) May 05
Puducherry Election Results 2026 Live: People's blessings to NDA in Puducherry polls will add momentum to good governance efforts, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday thanked the people of Puducherry after the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) retained power in the Union Territory in the Assembly elections.

In a post on X, PM Modi said the people had once again backed the NDA because of its governance record and the leadership of Chief Minister N Rangasamy.

"Thank you Puducherry! Based on our track record of good governance and the work of the Government led by Shri N. Rangasamy, the people of Puducherry have blessed NDA with another term. These blessings will add momentum to our collective efforts to boost good governance," he said.

In the 30-member Puducherry Assembly, the NR Congress secured 12 seats, while the BJP won four. Ally AIADMK bagged one seat.

On the opposition side, the DMK won five seats and the Congress secured one. TVK, contesting its first election, also opened its account with two seats.

07:12 (IST) May 05
Puducherry elections 2026: AINRC-led NDA set for second term; what it means for CM N Rangasamy

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is poised to return to power in Puducherry and become the Union territory’s first incumbent government to secure re-election since Congress accomplished the feat in 2006.



The victory cements Rangasamy’s position as Puducherry’s tallest leader. Already the longest-serving chief minister, he is set to return for a second consecutive term at the helm of an NDA government, and his fifth term overall. He won both his constituencies, Thattanchavady and Mangalam.



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02:33 (IST) May 05
Puducherry Election Results 2026: NDA retains power with 18 seats; N Rangaswamy wins Thattanchavady
The AINRC-led NDA has retained power in Puducherry, winning 18 seats in the 30-member assembly, crossing the majority mark of 16. Counting began at 8 am on Monday, with the election recording a high voter turnout of 91.23%.

AINRC secured 12 seats, BJP 4, AIADMK 1 and LJK 1, while the INDIA bloc won six seats. Independent candidates won three seats.

AINRC founder and Chief Minister N. Rangaswamy won Thattanchavady by 4,441 votes against E Vinayagam of NMK and also secured victory from Mangalam. TVK won two seats, while NMK got one. Several key leaders, including R. Selvam and R. Siva, were among those who lost.
01:05 (IST) May 05
Puducherry Election Result 2026: Narendra Modi says mandate will boost governance as NDA retains power
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the NDA’s victory in Puducherry will add momentum to efforts to strengthen good governance. In a post on X, he credited the mandate to the alliance’s track record and the work of Chief Minister N. Rangaswamy.

The NDA retained power in the 30-member assembly, with NR Congress winning 12 seats and the BJP securing four. AIADMK won one seat. On the opposition side, DMK won five seats while Congress secured one. TVK also opened its account in the Union Territory, winning two seats.
00:02 (IST) May 05
Puducherry Election Results 2026: BJP appoints Mandaviya, Surana as central observers
The Parliamentary Board of the Bharatiya Janata Party has appointed Mansukh Mandaviya and Nirmal Kumar Surana as central observers for the election of the Leader of the Legislative Party in Puducherry.

The move comes as the process to select the legislative party leader begins following the assembly election. The observers will oversee the proceedings related to the leadership selection within the party in the Union Territory.
23:11 (IST) May 04
Puducherry Assembly Election Results 2026 — Final Tally
All 30 constituencies in Puducherry have now declared their results, bringing the counting process to a close. The All India NR Congress (AINRC) has emerged as the single largest party with 12 seats, putting it in a strong position in the Union Territory’s political landscape.

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) secured 5 seats, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) followed with 4. Actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) made a notable debut with 2 seats. The Indian National Congress (INC) managed to win 1 seat, alongside LJK with 1.

Independent candidates and smaller parties accounted for the remaining 5 seats, indicating a fragmented mandate beyond the leading party.

With no party crossing the majority mark on its own, attention now shifts to post-poll alliances and government formation in Puducherry.
21:58 (IST) May 04
Puducherry 2026: AINRC leads, BJP and TVK make small gains as DMK lags behind
The latest tally from Puducherry shows the All India NR Congress (AINRC) maintaining a clear lead with 11 seats won and 1 more leading, taking its total to 12. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has secured 4 seats, while the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has managed 5 wins without any leads. The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has opened its account with 2 seats, marking a modest entry into the Union Territory’s political space. The Indian National Congress (INC), All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (ADMK), Latchiya Jananayaka Katchi (LJK), Neyam Makkal Kazhagam (NYMK), and Independents have also secured scattered wins, reflecting a fragmented mandate.
20:26 (IST) May 04
Puducherry Election Results 2026: AINRC wins Embalam seat in Puducherry as E Mohandoss defeats Congress candidate by 4,061 votes
In Embalam Assembly constituency (No. 21) in Puducherry, All India NR Congress (AINRC) candidate E. Mohandoss secured victory after the completion of all five rounds of EVM counting.

Mohandoss polled 16,017 votes, defeating Indian National Congress candidate M. Candassamy, who secured 11,956 votes. The margin of victory stood at 4,061 votes.

The result was declared after the completion of the final EVM counting round (5/5).
19:21 (IST) May 04
Puducherry Election Results 2026: C Aiyappan @ Mouttayappan of All India NR Congress wins against Vizayalakshmy Djearmourthy of Congress
In Ariankuppam, C Aiyappan @ Mouttayappan of the All India NR Congress secured victory with 14,210 votes, defeating Vizayalakshmy Djearmourthy of the Indian National Congress, who secured 13,607 votes, by a margin of 603 votes.
18:39 (IST) May 04
Puducherry Election Results: PM Modi hails Puducherry works as NDA looks to form govt again
"I’m very proud of our NDA Karyakartas of Puducherry for their exceptional efforts on the ground. They have constantly been among the people and elaborated on our vision and track record. This has ensured people blessed us again," said the PM on X.
18:15 (IST) May 04
Puducherry Election Results: TVK wins two seats in Puducherry Assembly polls
TVK candidates B Ramu and Sai J Saravanan Kuma won from Manavely and Thirubuvanai Assembly constituencies respectively in Puducherry.
17:17 (IST) May 04
Puducherry assembly result 2026: People’s mandate reflects faith in PM Modi, says BJP MP
BJP MP VD Sharma said the Assembly poll results across states, including Puducherry, reflect strong public confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He credited the party’s long-term strategy and groundwork, led by senior leadership, for the electoral performance.
16:56 (IST) May 04
Puducherry assembly result 2026: BJP has retained power in UT, says Union Minister
Union Minister Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma said the BJP has retained power in Puducherry following the Assembly elections. His remarks come amid trends showing the NDA, led by AINRC, maintaining a clear lead in the Union Territory. "In the elections held in five states, the BJP has retained power in Assam and Puducherry. The party has also achieved a remarkable victory in West Bengal, growing steadily there over the years. It has moved strongly towards forming the government by securing around 200 seats. The long-standing rule of Mamata Banerjee came to an end due to her alleged misgovernance and decisions that were seen as against national interest. She had been winning elections with the support of illegal infiltrators from Bangladesh. By provoking sentiments and appeasing minority groups, especially Muslims, she neglected the country’s broader interests," he said.

He added, "I thank the people of West Bengal; the BJP’s rise from having no seats to reaching nearly 200 seats reflects the awareness and support of the people. Bringing the BJP to power in Bengal is the result of years of sustained effort. It is a moment of pride for the party to win in the home state of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. Leaders like Mamata Banerjee and M. K. Stalin, who opposed the Women’s Reservation Bill, have been taught a lesson by the people."
16:22 (IST) May 04
Puducherry assembly result 2026: BJP confident of forming government, says Odisha minister
Odisha minister Suresh Pujari expressed confidence that the BJP will be part of the government in Puducherry, citing trends from the ongoing counting. His remarks come as the NDA, led by AINRC, maintains a clear lead in the Union Territory.
15:44 (IST) May 04
Puducherry assembly result 2026: BJP leader A Namassivayam wins from Mannadipet Assembly constituency
He said, "We had been continuously working in the Mannadipet Assembly constituency, and this is the reason we have seen a huge victory. NDA will form the govt in Puducherry. The people of Puducherry are very happy. NDA party leaders will decide (on portfolio allocation after govt formation)."
15:20 (IST) May 04
Puducherry assembly result 2026: NDA strengthens grip with 15 seats won or leading

The NDA has widened its advantage, winning 11 seats and leading in 4 more, taking its tally to 15 in the 30-member Assembly. The trend puts the alliance firmly on course to retain power in Puducherry.

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15:08 (IST) May 04
Puducherry assembly result 2026: V P Sivakolundhu wins Lawspet seat comfortably
V. P. Sivakolundhu of the All India N.R. Congress has won the Lawspet (11) constituency with 10,578 votes, securing a margin of 1,417 votes after full counting.
15:03 (IST) May 04
Puducherry assembly result 2026: CM Rangasamy wins from Thattanchavady constituency, NDA poised for return
Chief minister N Rangasamy of the All India N R Congress won the Thattanchavady seat in Puducherry by 4,441 votes, defeating E Vinayagam of the Neyam Makkal Kazhagam.
14:54 (IST) May 04
Puducherry assembly result 2026: Vaiyapuri Manikandan clinches Muthialpet for AINRC
Vaiyapuri Manikandan of the All India N.R. Congress has won the Muthialpet (13) seat with 8,382 votes, finishing ahead by a margin of 952 votes after 4 rounds.
14:31 (IST) May 04
Puducherry assembly result 2026: Congress’ P Karthikeyan wins Oussudu with comfortable margin
P. Karthikeyan of the Indian National Congress has won the Oussudu (3) constituency with 15,400 votes, securing victory by a margin of 4,018 votes after completion of all 4 rounds of counting.
14:17 (IST) May 04
Puducherry assembly result 2026: DMK’s V Cartigueyane wins Nellithope in close contest
V Cartigueyane of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam has won the Nellithope (17) constituency with 8,226 votes, edging out rivals by a margin of 850 votes after completion of all 4 rounds of counting.

14:00 (IST) May 04
Puducherry assembly result 2026: BJP’s A Namassivayam wins Mannadipet with commanding margin
A. Namassivayam of the Bharatiya Janata Party has won the Mannadipet (1) constituency with 15,918 votes, securing a decisive victory by a margin of 6,110 votes after completion of all 4 rounds of counting.
13:53 (IST) May 04
Puducherry assembly result 2026: V P Sivakolundhu wins Lawspet seat comfortably
V. P. Sivakolundhu of the All India N.R. Congress has won the Lawspet (11) constituency with 10,578 votes, securing a margin of 1,417 votes after full counting.
13:47 (IST) May 04
Puducherry Election Results 2026: Congress-DMK alliance struggles in early trends
The opposition alliance of Congress and DMK is facing a challenging start, with only a handful of leads in early counting. The gap may widen if current trends continue.
13:36 (IST) May 04
Puducherry Election Results: AINRC-led NDA set to retain power

The All India NR Congress (AINRC)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is set to retain power in the Union territory of Puducherry. Counting of votes for the 30 assembly constituencies began at 8am on Monday.



The 2026 assembly polls recorded a historic voter turnout of 91.23%.NDA comprising AINRC, BJP, AIADMK and LJK has won three seats and is leading in 19 seats.A total of 16 seats is required for a simple majority in the 30-member House.



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13:23 (IST) May 04
Puducherry Election Results 2026: NDA consolidates hold on as Rangasamy delivers crucial wins
The NDA alliance tightened its grip on Puducherry in the Assembly election results on Monday, with key victories and early trends giving it a clear edge over the Congress-led front.

The expanded lead this time points to a stronger consolidation of support in favour of the BJP in the constituency.
13:07 (IST) May 04
Puducherry Election Results: AINRC dominates with 3 wins and 6 leads, major parties trail behind
AINRC is leading the tally with a strong showing of 3 seats won and 6 seats leading, taking its total to 9. The BJP has secured 1 win and is leading in 1 seat, while the Congress, AIADMK, and DMK have each won 1 seat. Independents are leading in 3 constituencies. generate a headline on this






13:03 (IST) May 04
Puducherry Election Results 2026: 3 candidates from AINRC win
12:20 (IST) May 04
Puducherry Election Results 2026: Key battles to watch out for
Puducherry Election Results 2026: Key battles to watch out for
12:05 (IST) May 04
Puducherry Election Results 2026: Rangasamy-Led NDA set to return to power
N Rangaswamy was leading from the Thattanchavady Assembly constituency by a margin of over 4,336 votes, according to trends released by the Election Commission of India.
Early trends indicated that Puducherry was likely to see the return of a government led by NDA, with the alliance ahead in 11 of the 30 Assembly seats.

As per the latest data, AINRC was leading in nine seats, including Rangaswamy’s Thattanchavady constituency, while its ally, BJP, was ahead in two. AIADMK was leading in one seat.

Among AINRC candidates in the lead were V P Sivakolundhu, Vaiyapuri Manikandan, C Aiyappan (also known as Mouttayappan), E Mohandoss, P Rajavelu, P R N Thirumurugan, and Malladi Krishna Rao.

On the other side, Congress was leading in one seat, while the DMK was ahead in two.

11:53 (IST) May 04
Puducherry Election Results 2026: Trends show AINRC leading in 9 seats; INC trails with 1 seat
11:40 (IST) May 04
Puducherry Election Results 2026: The numbers that matter
Puducherry Election Results 2026: The numbers that matter
11:16 (IST) May 04
Puducherry Election Results: AINRC leads in 8 of 16 seats; BJP, DMK, independents trail
The Election Commission announced trends for 16 of the 30 constituencies in Puducherry, showing AINRC leading in eight seats. Independents were ahead in three constituencies, while the BJP and the DMK were leading in two seats each, and the Congress was ahead in one.
11:00 (IST) May 04
Puducherry Election Results 2026: Trends show BJP leading in 10 seats; Congress trails with 5 seats
10:47 (IST) May 04
Puducherry Election Results 2026: CM, AINRC candidates ahead in UT polls
Chief minister N Rangasamy, who heads the AINRC in Puducherry, and several of his party’s candidates were leading in at least seven Assembly constituencies as counting of votes polled on April 9 got underway.

According to data from the Election Commission, Rangasamy, contesting from two constituencies, was ahead in Thattanchavady by a margin of 4336 votes.

AINRC candidates R Ravikumar, Vaiyapuri Manikandan, C Aiyappan, E Mohandoss, P Rajavelu and P R N Thirumurugan were also leading in Villianur, Muthialpet, Ariankuppam, Enbalam, Nettapakkam and Karaikal North, respectively, the data showed.
10:42 (IST) May 04
Puducherry Election Results 2026: AINRC leading in 6 seats, Congress in 3, and BJP in 2
10:20 (IST) May 04
Puducherry Election Results 2026: AINRC leads in 8 seats; Congress trails with 3 seats
09:59 (IST) May 04
Puducherry Election Results 2026: 'BJP to form govts in Assam, Bengal, Puducherry', says BJP leader Sunil Sharma
Sunil Sharma, Leader of the Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, on Monday expressed confidence in the BJP’s performance across multiple states as counting of Assembly election votes progressed.

Sharma said the scale of public support reflected a strong mandate in favour of the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"The kind of love and support people have shown to the BJP and PM Modi, it is clear that it is forming governments in Assam, West Bengal and Puducherry. We are also guessing that the vote share will increase a great deal in Tamil Nadu and Keralam..." he said as quoted by ANI.
09:43 (IST) May 04
Puducherry Election Results 2026: AINRC leads in Thattanchavady, Yanam; close contests in Muthialpet, Ariankuppam
Early trends show the All India N.R. Congress leading in multiple constituencies. N Rangasamy is ahead in Thattanchavady (9) with 3,447 votes, leading by 1,927 (1/4 rounds), while Vaiyapuri Manikandan leads in Muthialpet (13) with 1,938 votes, margin 37 (1/4).

In Ariankuppam (19), C. Aiyappan is ahead with 3,031 votes, leading by 60 (1/5). Malladi Krishna Rao is leading in Yanam (30) with 4,417 votes, ahead by 499 (1/5).
09:39 (IST) May 04
Puducherry Election Results 2026: CM N Rangasamy leading in Thattanchavady constituency
09:35 (IST) May 04
Puducherry Election Results 2026: Trends indicate advantage for AINRC-led NDA
Preliminary trends in Puducherry indicated an early advantage for the NDA, led by AINRC, during the counting of postal ballots on Monday.

According to early rounds of counting, the NDA was leading in four constituencies, while Congress was ahead in two, pointing to a closely fought contest in the union territory.
09:11 (IST) May 04
Puducherry Election Results 2026: Early trends show BJP leading
08:56 (IST) May 04
Puducherry Election Results: Early trends show NRC leading with TVK trailing close behind
With trends available for 12 out of 30 seats, NRC is in the lead, with TVK trailing close behind.
19 More Updates
The recent Assembly elections in Puducherry witnessed a historic voter turnout, with counting scheduled for 8 am today. Polling for all 30 constituencies in the Union Territory was held on April 9, recording an unprecedented turnout of nearly 89.87 per cent — the highest since the first elections after the former French colony’s merger with India in 1964. This sharp rise compared to previous elections reflects strong voter engagement across all four regions — Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam — and sets the stage for a closely watched verdict.

High participation across regions and voters

According to the Election Commission, over 9.5 lakh voters were eligible to cast their ballots, including more than 5 lakh women voters, whose participation played a key role in the record turnout. Voting was conducted across more than 1,000 polling stations under tight security arrangements, ensuring a smooth and orderly electoral process. The scale of participation highlights heightened political awareness and interest among voters in the Union Territory.

Triangular contest shapes electoral battle

The election has been defined by a triangular contest involving the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) of the Congress and DMK, and actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which made its electoral debut. The emergence of a third force has added a layer of unpredictability to what has traditionally been a bipolar political contest.

NDA seeks continuity under Rangaswamy

The NDA, led by Chief Minister N Rangaswamy and his All India NR Congress (AINRC), entered the election aiming for a second consecutive term. Rangaswamy, a key figure in Puducherry politics, contested from two constituencies — Thattanchavady, where he is the incumbent MLA, and Mangalam. Under the alliance arrangement, AINRC contested 16 seats, while the BJP fielded candidates in 14, with two seats each allocated to allies AIADMK and Latchiya Jananayaga Katchi.

Opposition alliance and key contest

On the opposition side, the Congress and DMK followed a 16–14 seat-sharing formula, with the Congress contesting in 16 constituencies. Senior Congress leader V Vaithilingam, who is also a Lok Sabha MP and the party’s state president, contested from Thattanchavady against Rangaswamy, making it one of the most high-profile battles in the election.

TVK looks to disrupt traditional dynamics

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by Vijay, sought to mobilise younger voters and establish itself as a viable alternative. The party fielded candidates in 28 constituencies and allocated two seats to Neyam Makkal Kazhagam. Its entry has introduced fresh competition, with the potential to influence vote shares and alter outcomes in closely contested seats.

Key constituencies under spotlight

Several constituencies have emerged as crucial battlegrounds, with Thattanchavady drawing particular attention due to the direct contest between the sitting Chief Minister N Rangaswamy and former Chief Minister V Vaithilingam. The outcome in such seats is expected to play a significant role in determining the overall result.

Exit polls favour NDA, caution remains

Exit polls have largely projected that the AINRC-BJP combine is likely to retain power in Puducherry. However, political observers and party leaders have urged caution, noting that exit polls do not always accurately predict final outcomes. The actual results will depend entirely on the counting of votes and constituency-level performance.