Among the voters, 24,156 are aged 18-19 years, while 6,034 are senior citizens aged 85 and above. Puducherry Chief Electoral Officer P Jawahar detailed the election preparations, stating that 110 sector officers have been deployed across 1,099 polling stations. Of these stations, 209 are classified as vulnerable and receive deployment of central armed police forces alongside local police.

He explained, “The Election Department of Puducherry, through its district and returning officers, has made extensive arrangements. Logistics are crucial, with polling parties and materials being dispatched to stations on time. This process is tracked using drones and 110 sector officers across 1,099 polling stations… On security, multi-level measures are in place. Of these, 209 polling stations are categorised as vulnerable, where central armed police forces are deployed alongside local police to prevent incidents.”

Jawahar added, “Enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct is strict during the 48-hour silence period. Campaigning is banned, liquor outlets are closed, and inducements are closely monitored. Drones, flying squads, and the helpline are used to track violations in real time… Technology plays a key role, especially in regions like Mahe and Yanam, which are far from Puducherry. Drone feeds from these areas are monitored live in 4K quality.”

The election features contests between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which comprises the All India NR Congress (AINRC), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Congress-Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) alliance. Actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is also contesting, aiming to create a three-cornered contest.

The NDA includes the AINRC, led by Chief Minister N Rangasamy, contesting 16 constituencies; the BJP, contesting 10 seats; and the AIADMK and LJK, each contesting two seats. The INDIA bloc consists of the Congress, contesting 16 seats, and the DMK, contesting 14 seats. The VCK, part of the Secular Progressive Alliance in Tamil Nadu, is contesting three assembly seats independently after being offered only one.

During the campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the Congress-DMK alliance, accusing them of prioritising dynastic politics over governance. He stated that internal conflicts within the opposition reflected a lack of commitment to public welfare despite their pursuit of electoral gains.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi countered by alleging that the Puducherry government was “imposed from Delhi” and did not reflect the people’s will. He also accused the BJP of failing to grant full statehood and fostering corruption in the Union Territory.

Meanwhile, TVK chief Vijay launched a sharp critique of the established political fronts, describing the AINRC-BJP alliance as “tired” and the DMK-Congress alliance as “confused.” He added, “Taking another dig at the alliances, Vijay asserted that voting for either of the two is ‘a waste’ and emphasised that Puducherry needs good governance.”

In the 2021 Puducherry Assembly elections, the AINRC emerged as the largest party with 10 seats, followed by the DMK with six seats, while the BJP and Congress won six seats each. Voter turnout was recorded at 84.8 per cent. In the 2016 elections, the Congress secured a majority with 15 seats, AINRC won eight seats, AIADMK four, and DMK two seats, with turnout at 83.6 per cent.

The current term of the 30-member Legislative Assembly expires on June 15. The Election Commission of India has announced that vote counting will take place on May 4.