Kamal Ghorui
Puducherry’s 2026 Assembly elections have turned into a closely watched contest, marked by high voter turnout of 89.83 per cent, multiple tight races and the entry of a new political force. The main battle remains between the ruling NDA led by the AINRC–BJP combine and the Congress–DMK-led opposition alliance, while Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam has added a third dimension in several constituencies.Note: Exit polls are just predictions based on surveys and can turn out to be absolutely wrong on the result day which is on May 4.Exit poll projections by People Pulse indicate a narrow edge for the NDA, projecting 16–19 seats in the 30-member House, while the Congress-led alliance is expected to secure 10–12 seats. TVK is projected to draw a blank with zero seats, and other parties may win up to two seats.According to projections by Axis My India, the NDA is ahead with 16–20 seats, while the Congress–DMK bloc is estimated at six–eight seats. TVK is projected to win two–four seats, while other parties may secure one–three seats, suggesting a more fragmented contest with a visible third force.Exit poll projections by Praja Poll suggest a close contest with a slight edge for the NDA, which is projected to win 19–25 seats in the 30-member Assembly. The Congress-led alliance is estimated at 6–10 seats, while the survey does not indicate a clear projection for Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam or other smaller parties.According to Kamakhya Analytics, the NDA is projected to secure 17–24 seats, with the opposition Congress–DMK alliance likely winning 4–7 seats. TVK is estimated to make a limited entry with 1–2 seats, while other parties may win 0–1 seat, indicating a more competitive multi-cornered field.Exit poll projections by Jan Ki Baat Voter Connect suggest a tightly contested outcome in Puducherry, with the NDA projected to win 15–17 seats in the 30-member Assembly. The Congress-led alliance is placed close behind at 11–13 seats, indicating a competitive bipolar contest in the Union Territory. Several key constituencies such as Mangalam, Thattanchavady, Mannadipet, Ozhukarai and Lawspet witnessed high-profile contests, while turnout levels crossed 93 per cent in seats like Oussudu, Bahour and Nettapakkam, reflecting strong voter mobilisation across the Union Territory.Polling for the 30-member Assembly in Puducherry concluded on April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4.
