The 2026 Assembly elections in Puducherry have become a closely watched contest, with a high voter turnout of 89.83%, several tight contests and the entry of new political forces. The main battle remains between the ruling National Democratic Alliance, jointly led by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the Bharatiya Janata Party, and the opposition alliance led by the Congress and DMK, with Tamilagavetri Kazhagam adding a third dimension in several constituencies.NOTE: Exit polls are only survey-based predictions and may be proven to be absolutely wrong on results day, May 4.People Pulse’s exit polls showed the NDA’s margin is slim, expected to get 16-19 seats in the 30-member House, while the Congress-led alliance is expected to get 10-12 seats. TVK is expected to win zero seats, with other parties likely to win up to two seats.According to Axis My India’s projections, the NDA is leading by 16-20 seats, while the Congress-DMK group is estimated to have 6-8 seats. TVK is expected to win 2-4 seats, while other parties are likely to gain 1-3 seats, suggesting a more fragmented race against a clear third force.Exit polls from the Praja polls showed a close race with a slight edge for the NDA, which is expected to win 19-25 seats in the 30-member assembly. The Congress-led alliance is estimated to have 6-10 seats, while the survey does not indicate a clear projection for the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam or other smaller parties.According to Kamakhya Analytics, the NDA is expected to win 17-24 seats, while the opposition Congress-DMK alliance is likely to win 4-7 seats. TVK is expected to enter with a limited number of 1-2 seats, while other parties may win 0-1 seats, indicating a tighter competition.Jan Ki Baat Voter Connect’s exit polls showed a closely contested election result in Puducherry, with the NDA expected to win 15-17 seats in the 30-member assembly. The Congress-led alliance followed closely with 11 to 13 seats, a sign of the fierce bipolar competition taking place in the Union Territory. Several key constituencies such as Mangalam, Thattanchavady, Mannadipet, Ozhukarai and Lawspet witnessed high-profile contests, while seats such as Oussudu, Bahour and Nettapakkam recorded a turnout of over 93 per cent, reflecting strong mobilization of voters across the Union Territory.Polling for the 30-member Puducherry Assembly ended on April 29 and counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.
