Puducherry exit poll shows continuity rather than change; NDA to retain power with 16-20 seats of 30
Puducherry: NDA to retain power
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Exit polls for the 2026 Puducherry Assembly elections indicate a clear advantage for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), suggesting the coalition is likely to retain power in the Union Territory. The projections, released after polling concluded on April 29, point to a fragmented opposition and a multi-cornered contest shaping the electoral outcome.
In contrast, the Congress-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) is expected to lag, with estimates ranging from 6 to 12 seats, indicating limited gains despite anti-incumbency hopes. Meanwhile, smaller players and independents may secure 1–3 seats, reflecting a scattered vote share.
A notable factor in this election is the emergence of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which appears to be gaining traction among younger voters. However, exit polls suggest that while TVK may influence vote shares, it is unlikely to convert that support into a significant number of seats.
The election witnessed a record voter turnout of nearly 89.8%, reflecting strong public participation and heightened political engagement across Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam regions.
Overall, the “poll of polls” indicates continuity rather than change, with the NDA poised for a second consecutive term. However, given Puducherry’s history of tight contests and shifting alliances, the final results on May 4 will determine whether these projections hold.
According to multiple exit poll agencies, the NDA, led by Chief Minister N. Rangaswamy’s All India N.R. Congress (AINRC) in alliance with the BJP, is projected to secure between 16 and 20 seats in the 30-member elected Assembly, comfortably crossing the majority mark of 17 seats.
In contrast, the Congress-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) is expected to lag, with estimates ranging from 6 to 12 seats, indicating limited gains despite anti-incumbency hopes. Meanwhile, smaller players and independents may secure 1–3 seats, reflecting a scattered vote share.
Some pollsters, such as People’s Pulse and Axis My India, suggest a slightly tighter race but still maintain a clear edge for the NDA, with projections varying between 10–12 seats on the lower end to as high as 16–19 seats depending on the sampling model. Other agencies like Praja Poll and Kamakhya Analytics also broadly reinforce the NDA’s lead, though with narrower margins in certain constituencies.
A notable factor in this election is the emergence of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which appears to be gaining traction among younger voters. However, exit polls suggest that while TVK may influence vote shares, it is unlikely to convert that support into a significant number of seats.
The election witnessed a record voter turnout of nearly 89.8%, reflecting strong public participation and heightened political engagement across Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam regions.
Overall, the “poll of polls” indicates continuity rather than change, with the NDA poised for a second consecutive term. However, given Puducherry’s history of tight contests and shifting alliances, the final results on May 4 will determine whether these projections hold.