Puducherry’s 2026 Assembly elections have turned into a closely watched contest, marked by high voter turnout of 89.83 per cent, multiple tight races and the entry of a new political force. The main battle remains between the ruling NDA led by the AINRC–BJP combine and the Congress–DMK-led opposition alliance, while Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam has added a third dimension in several constituencies.Note: Exit polls are just predictions based on surveys and can turn out to be absolutely wrong on the result day which is on May 4.Exit poll projections by People Pulse indicate a narrow edge for the NDA, projecting 16–19 seats in the 30-member House, while the Congress-led alliance is expected to secure 10–12 seats. TVK is projected to draw a blank with zero seats, and other parties may win up to two seats.According to projections by Axis My India, the NDA is ahead with 16–20 seats, while the Congress–DMK bloc is estimated at six–eight seats. TVK is projected to win two–four seats, while other parties may secure one–three seats, suggesting a more fragmented contest with a visible third force.Several key constituencies such as Mangalam, Thattanchavady, Mannadipet, Ozhukarai and Lawspet witnessed high-profile contests, while turnout levels crossed 93 per cent in seats like Oussudu, Bahour and Nettapakkam, reflecting strong voter mobilisation across the Union Territory.Polling for the 30-member Assembly in Puducherry concluded on April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4.