N Rangasamy

NDA retained power in Puducherry, securing 18 seats, largely due to AINRC chief n rangasamy's charisma and welfare schemes. A fragmented opposition, marred by internal friction and seat-sharing confusion between Congress and DMK, failed to present a united front. Rangasamy is set for a record fifth term as Chief Minister.

Early trends show the NDA, led by AINRC, is set to retain power in Puducherry. Chief Minister n rangasamy secured the Thattanchavady seat, a key victory. The Congress-DMK alliance struggles, indicating a fragmented opposition. The NDA's organizational strength and voter outreach appear to have secured them another term, promising continuity in governance.

Before taking oath as chief minister for the fifth time, Rangasamy visited the Sri Sadhguru Appa Paithiyam Swamigal Temple in Salem Suramangalam and placed the list of ministers before the statue of the late sage.

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.

The newly formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor Vijay, won two seats while its alliance partner, Puducherry-based party, Neyam Makkal Katchi (NMK) won one seat. TVK candidates have secured a significant number of votes, impacting the winning margins between the two major alliances.

Speaking to reporters after collecting his certificate of election from a counting official, Rangasamy said the people have recognised the govt’s achievements and have elected the NDA again for the second consecutive term. He hailed the outcome as a direct mandate from the people validating his administration’s performance over the last five years.

Puducherry's 2026 Assembly elections are set for a nail-biting finish with a record 89.83% voter turnout. The main battle is between the ruling AINRC-BJP NDA and the Congress-DMK alliance, featuring high-profile leaders in key constituencies. Counting for all 30 seats is scheduled for May 4.

Puducherry's vote counting begins Monday for its 30 constituencies, a high-stakes election with record 89.83% turnout. The ruling NDA, led by AINRC, faces a strong challenge from the Congress-led SPA and emerging player TVK. Key constituencies like Thattanchavady and Mannadipet are closely watched.

After the counting begins and trends trickle in, these seats offer early clues to momentum, alliance cohesion and voter sentiment that can ripple across regions. From prestige contests involving chief ministers to urban battlegrounds testing new entrants, the outcomes in these constituencies will help explain whether incumbency holds or fractures. They also reflect how local issues such as welfare delivery, identity, urban infrastructure and leadership credibility interact with wider political narratives.

Exit polls sketch a split verdict across five states — BJP poised for a Bengal breakthrough and holding Assam and Puducherry, Stalin ahead in Tamil Nadu, and Congress edging Kerala — but outliers and tight margins leave room for surprises on May 4

Exit polls suggest a mixed verdict across states as West Bengal anticipates a hung assembly, potentially ending Mamata Banerjee's tenure. Tamil Nadu might see actor Vijay's TVK emerge as a significant force, challenging the established duopoly. Assam favors a BJP hat-trick, while Kerala's Left government faces a potential defeat. Puducherry's NDA is expected to retain power.

Puducherry's 9.5 lakh voters will elect 294 candidates across 30 Assembly seats on April 9. The ruling NDA faces a challenge from the INDIA bloc and actor Vijay's TVK party. Chief Minister n rangasamy is contesting from two constituencies as all arrangements are in place for the polls.

Puducherry's assembly elections commenced today with an innovative touch as a robot named 'Nila' greeted voters. Approximately 9.5 lakh electors are choosing among 294 candidates across 30 constituencies. The main contenders are the NDA, led by Chief Minister n rangasamy, and the Congress-DMK alliance. Key issues like statehood and unemployment are prominent, with counting set for May 4.

Puducherry heads to polls on April 9 for its 30 assembly seats, with key issues like statehood, economic concerns including power privatisation and rising prices, and a fragmented contest shaping the high-stakes election. The outcome will determine if the NDA retains power or the Congress-DMK bloc regains control.

Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin criticises Puducherry's chief minister n rangasamy as a puppet. He claims the LG holds excessive power, sidelining the elected government. Stalin argues that this power imbalance hinders governance and accountability. He advocates for full statehood to restore authority to the elected leadership. The upcoming polls are framed as a vote against this imbalance.

In the vibrant political landscape of Puducherry, all eyes are on the Thattanchavady constituency as chief ministerial contenders n rangasamy and V Vaithilingam face off.

In a spirited roadshow in Puducherry just prior to the April 9 elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi rallied considerable backing for NDA candidates while invigorating the BJP base. Joined by influential local leaders, Modi's visit sought to influence voters in the pivotal 30-seat assembly, as both political alliances cranked up their campaign activities to the final stretch.