Puducherry Election Results 2026 LIVE: NDA Set to Retain Power; CM Rangasamy Wins Big

 

PUDUCHERRY – The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is on track to form a back-to-back government in the Union Territory of Puducherry. As of the afternoon of May 4, 2026, the All India N.R. Congress (AINRC) and its ally, the BJP, have secured a decisive lead across the 30-member Assembly, comfortably crossing the majority mark.

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Live Counting Trends: NDA Dominance

The ruling alliance has maintained a steady lead since the first round of counting, with CM N. Rangasamy’s party leading the charge.

• NDA (AINRC + BJP + AIADMK): Leading/Won in 19 seats

• SPA (Congress + DMK): Leading in 7 seats

• TVK+ (Vijay's Party): Leading in 2 seats

• Others/Independents: Leading in 2 seats

The Magic Figure: In the 30-seat Puducherry Assembly, a party or coalition needs 16 seats to form the government. The NDA is currently well positioned with 19 leads/wins.

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Key Highlights: CM Rangasamy’s Fortress

1. N. Rangasamy (Thattanchavady): The Chief Minister has secured a massive victory in his stronghold, winning by a margin of 4,441 votes. He defeated his nearest rival, E. Vinayagam of the NMK.

2. A. Namassivayam (Mannadipet): The UT Home Minister and BJP leader won comfortably with a margin of 6,110 votes, nearly doubling his victory margin from the 2021 elections.

3. The TVK Debut: Actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has made its presence felt in the UT, with candidate B. Ramu leading in the Manavely constituency against BJP’s Embalam Selvam.

4. Major Upset in Nedungadu: Independent candidate Dr. V. Vigneswaran pulled off a shock victory, defeating incumbent Minister S. Chandira Priyanga of the AINRC by over 4,000 votes.

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Regional Performance

• Karaikal: The NDA is performing strongly, with P.R.N. Thirumurugan retaining the Karaikal North seat for a record fourth term.

• Mahe & Yanam: Independent candidate Adv. T. Ashok Kumar has claimed victory in Mahe, overthrowing the Congress incumbent. In Yanam, a neck-and-neck battle continues between AINRC and Congress.

Analysis: Why NDA Won

The high voter turnout of nearly 90% seems to have benefited the incumbent government. The focus on direct welfare schemes, infrastructure development, and the push for full statehood by the AINRC-BJP combine appears to have resonated more with voters than the Congress-led SPA's campaign.