Counting of votes for the Assembly elections in Puducherry began at 8:00 a.m. on Monday across six designated centres, with the process initially focusing on postal ballots, followed by Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) votes from 8:30 a.m., officials confirmed.
The elections for all 30 Assembly constituencies were held on April 9, witnessing a closely contested battle between the ruling All India NR Congress (AINRC)-led alliance and the opposition INDIA bloc, comprising parties such as the Indian National Congress and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK).
Early trends from the Election Commission of India (ECI) indicate that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is on course to return to power in the Union Territory. The AINRC is leading in 9 seats, while its ally, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is ahead in 2 seats. The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) is leading in 1 seat.
Chief Minister N Rangasamy is leading from the Thattanchavady constituency by a margin exceeding 4,300 votes, reinforcing the NDA’s early advantage.
On the other hand, the Congress and DMK have managed to secure leads in one seat each, reflecting a slow start for the opposition alliance despite its efforts to unseat the incumbent government.
As counting progresses, the trends suggest a favourable outcome for the NDA, though the final picture will become clearer as more rounds are completed.
