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Puducherry poll: From CM Rangasamy to ex-CM Vaithilingam, heavyweights to watch out for
Puducherry's 2026 Assembly elections are shaping up as a tight contest between the NDA and the Congress-DMK alliance, with a record turnout and counting set for May 4. High-profile leaders are contesting from key constituencies that could decide the government.
Why It Matters
The results will determine control of Puducherry’s administration and reflect the battle between major national parties in a Union Territory with high political visibility.
Timeline
4 Events
Heavyweights to watch for Puducherry polls
May 2, 2026
Notable leaders and their constituencies include N Rangasamy (AINRC): Thattanchavady and Mangalam; Vaithilingam (Congress): Thattanchavady; A Namassivayam (BJP): Mannadipet; R Siva (DMK): Villianur; VP Ramalingam (BJP): Raj Bhavan; AMH. Nazeem (DMK): Karaikal South; A Johnkumar (BJP): Mudaliarpet; R Senthilkumar (DMK): Bahour; C Aiyappan (AINRC): Ariankuppam; PRN Thirumurugan (AINRC): Karaikal North. These figures are among the high-profile candidates contesting in key constituencies.
Counting scheduled for May 4
May 2, 2026
Counting is set for May 4 for all 30 seats.
Record turnout reported
May 2, 2026
A record voter turnout of 89.83 percent was recorded in the elections.
Election context: Puducherry 2026 Assembly elections
May 2, 2026
Puducherry's 2026 Assembly elections are a closely watched contest between the NDA (AINRC-BJP) and the Congress-DMK alliance.