Around 9.44 lakh voters are expected to exercise their franchise in the polls in Puducherry. File
| Photo Credit: The Hindu
Political activities are gaining momentum in Puducherry as parties intensify seat-sharing talks and finalise candidates for the upcoming Assembly polls.
With the elections scheduled to be held on April 9, both the NDA and INDIA blocs are racing to resolve the internal friction and consolidate their alliances.
The battle for Puducherry’s 30 Assembly seats spread across 23 seats in Puducherry, five in Karaikal, and one each in Mahe and Yanam regions is taking shape.
The AINRC-BJP combine, which is in power in Puducherry, has already finalised the number of seats to contest.
Within the ruling NDA, the AINRC is set to contest in 16 seats, leaving 14 to the BJP, which must also accommodate the AIADMK.
Meanwhile, the INDIA bloc (Congress and DMK) is still deliberating on leadership and seat distribution.
A primary hiccup for NDA is CM Rangasamy’s opposition to the inclusion of the newly formed Lakshiya Jananayaga Katchi (LJK) in the alliance.
Senior BJP leaders, including A. Namassivayam and Speaker R. Selvam, are in Delhi to brief the high command and finalise their candidate list.
CM Rangasamy has made full statehood a central pillar of his campaign.
Citing persistent friction between elected representatives and bureaucrats, he has sought an assurance from the Centre on statehood, arguing that it is the only way to ensure delayed schemes are implemented and the government can perform effectively.
The process of election was set in motion on Monday (March 16, 2026) with the publication of statutory notifications.
But no nomination was received on the opening day.
Last date to file nominations is March 23, while scrutiny of papers is slated for March 24, and the last date for withdrawal of nominations is March 26.
Around 9.44 lakh voters are expected to exercise their franchise in the polls in Puducherry.
The upcoming polls are by and large a prestige fight for the NDA and the INDIA blocs. The entry of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam adds a new dimension to the fight.
Published – March 17, 2026 07:33 pm IST
