The 2026 Puducherry assembly elections have been a real nail-biter, with over 89% of voters casting their ballots in a closely contested race. The main two parties vying for power are the ruling AINRC-BJP coalition and the Congress-DMK alliance.

The elections have brought out some heavy-hitters, including Chief Minister Rangasamy, who's been in the job multiple times. He's contesting from two seats, but the real battle is on in Thattanchavady, where he's up against former Chief Minister Vaithilingam. Vaithilingam has a lot of experience, having held the top job twice before.

The BJP is also putting its weight behind some big names, like A Namassivayam, who's the Home Minister of Puducherry. He's contesting from Mannadipet, a key rural constituency, and is seen as a key figure in the NDA's campaign. On the other side, the DMK is relying on experienced leaders like R Siva, who's the Leader of Opposition, and AMH Nazeem, a veteran DMK leader from the Karaikal region.

The BJP has also got some new faces in the running, like A Johnkumar, a former Congress leader who's now contesting for the BJP. He's a key NDA candidate and has won Assembly elections before. Meanwhile, the DMK is counting on R Senthilkumar, a sitting MLA from Bahour, to deliver the goods.

The AINRC is also fielding some heavy-hitters, including C Aiyappan, a senior leader and sitting MLA from Ariankuppam. He's been associated with the party's organisational base in the region and is contesting again from this seat. Another key AINRC candidate is PRN Thirumurugan, who's a three-time winner from Karaikal North and one of the party's experienced faces in the Karaikal region.