Puducherry’s 2026 assembly elections have turned out to be a closely watched contest due to a high turnout of 89.83 per cent, several tight contests and the entry of a new political force. The main fight remains between the ruling NDA led by the AINRC-BJP alliance and the Congress-DMK led opposition alliance, while Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam has added a third dimension in several constituencies.Note: Exit polls are only predictions based on surveys and may prove to be completely wrong on the results day on May 4.People Pulse’s exit poll projections indicate a slight lead for the NDA, with it projected to get 16-19 seats in the 30-member House, while the Congress-led alliance is expected to get 10-12 seats. TVK is projected to get zero seats, and other parties may win up to two seats.According to Axis My India estimates, the NDA is ahead with 16-20 seats, while the Congress-DMK block is projected with six-eight seats. TVK is projected to win two-four seats, while other parties may gain one-three seats, suggesting a more fragmented contest with a visible third force.Exit poll projections by Praja Poll predict a close contest with a slight lead for the NDA, which is projected to win 19-25 seats in the 30-member assembly. The Congress-led alliance is projected to get 6-10 seats, while the survey does not indicate a clear projection for Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam or other smaller parties.According to Kamakhya Analytics, the NDA is expected to get 17-24 seats, while the opposition Congress-DMK alliance is likely to get 4-7 seats. TVK is projected to make a limited entry with 1-2 seats, while other parties may win 0-1 seat, indicating a more competitive multi-cornered field.Jan Ki Baat Voter Connect’s exit poll projections show that there will be a tough contest in Puducherry, with the NDA projected to win 15-17 seats in the 30-member assembly. The Congress-led alliance is trailing on 11-13 seats, indicating a competitive bipolar contest in the Union Territory. Several key constituencies such as Mangalam, Thattanchavady, Mannadipet, Ozhukarai and Lospet witnessed high-profile contests, while seats such as Osudu, Bahaur and Nettapakkam saw voting levels exceed 93 per cent, indicating strong voter mobilization across the Union Territory.Voting for the 30-member Assembly in Puducherry concluded on April 29 and counting of votes will take place on May 4.