Karaikal South election result 2026: DMK’s Nazeem wins by 5,862 votes in high turnout poll

NEW DELHI: A.M.H. Nazeem of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam retained the Karaikal South seat in Puducherry, winning by a margin of 5,862 votes in the 2026 assembly elections. Nazeem secured 12,543 votes, defeating AVS Sakthivel Prabu of the Indian National Congress, who polled 6,681 votes. K.A.U. Assana of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam finished third with 4,346 votes, while M. Arul Murugan of the Bharatiya Janata Party trailed with 1,354 votes. Candidates from Naam Tamilar Katchi and independents secured marginal votes, with NOTA recording 142 votes. The coastal constituency, known for its mix of fishing communities, traders and working-class voters, saw a high turnout of 83.42%, up from 75.09% in 2021. Polling rose steadily through the day, reflecting strong voter engagement in a contest that saw DMK defending its ground against a fragmented opposition. Karaikal South has witnessed shifting political fortunes over the years, including a razor-thin 20-vote win in 2016 and a decisive DMK victory in 2021. The latest result reinforces DMK’s hold on the s