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

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.