Puducherry, May 3 (IANS) The stage is set for a keenly contested verdict in the 2026 Assembly elections in Puducherry, where a record voter turnout and a multi-cornered fight have heightened expectations of a close finish when votes are counted on May 4.

Polling for all 30 Assembly constituencies across the Union Territory — including Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam — was held in a single phase on April 9. Officials reported an unprecedented turnout of nearly 90 per cent, signalling strong voter mobilisation and intense political engagement across regions.

The election has witnessed a triangular contest, with the incumbent National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Chief Minister N. Rangaswamy and his All India N.R. Congress, seeking a second consecutive term. The NDA coalition includes the Bharatiya Janata Party and Latchiya Jananayaga Katchi (LJK), led by Jose Charles Martin, son of lottery baron Santiago Martin, with the alliance banking on governance, welfare delivery and stability.

The principal challenge comes from the Congress-led alliance headed by former Chief Minister V. Vaithilingam, which has campaigned on anti-incumbency, governance concerns and Centre–Union Territory relations.

Adding a new dimension to the contest is the entry of actor-politician C. Joseph Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which has contested across constituencies and targeted youth voters and first-time participants, potentially influencing outcomes in several urban and semi-urban seats.

Exit poll trends indicate an edge for the NDA, placing it within reach of the majority mark of 17 seats, though a fragmented verdict cannot be ruled out. The Congress alliance is expected to remain competitive, while smaller parties and new entrants could influence outcomes in close contests.

Key constituencies such as Thattanchavady, Lawspet and Ariankuppam are likely to be decisive. With narrow margins anticipated, the possibility of post-poll alignments remains open.

As counting day approaches, Puducherry’s electoral battle is being closely watched as a test of incumbent strength, opposition revival and the impact of emerging political forces in a compact but strategically significant Union Territory.

–IANS

aal/pgh