Puducherry Assembly Election 2026: Polling is underway in Puducherry as voters head to booths to decide the future of the Union Territory’s 30-member Assembly with over 9 lakh registered voters across Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam, election day has brought changes to public services, institutions and business operations. Authorities have also implemented closures and special arrangements to ensure smooth voting and encourage maximum participation.
The election is significant as major political alliances including the AINRC-BJP combine and the Congress-DMK alliance compete for control with security deployment, administrative holidays and school closures are part of the extensive arrangements for the day.
Puducherry Assembly Election 2026: Polling Timings & Voter Turnout
Polling began at 7:00 AM and will continue until 6:00 PM across all 30 constituencies and officials reported a 37.06% voter turnout by 11 AM, indicating steady participation.
Key statistics:
- Total voters: Over 9 lakh
- Polling stations: 1,099
- Vulnerable booths: 209
- Sector officers deployed: 110
- Youth voters (18-19 age group): 24,000+
- Previous turnout (2021): 83.42%
Authorities expect turnout to rise in the afternoon as more voters step out.
Are Banks Open or Closed Today?
Most bank branches in Puducherry are closed today to enable employees to participate in voting while there is no nationwide banking holiday, local branches typically suspend operations on polling day.
However:
- ATMs remain operational
- Online banking services continue
- Digital transactions unaffected
Customers are advised to plan banking activities accordingly.
Are Schools & Colleges Open or Closed Today?
All schools and colleges across Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam remain closed on April 9, 2026.
Election-related closures include:
- Five-day closure from April 6 to April 10
- Schools used as polling stations remain shut
- Teachers deployed for election duty
Affected institutions:
- Puducherry: 47 government and 42 private schools
- Karaikal: 11 government and 31 private schools
Are Government Offices Open or Closed Today?
Most government offices are closed or operating with minimal staff due to election duty.
However:
- Essential administrative services remain active
- Election control rooms function normally
- Emergency departments remain operational
Government employees are largely engaged in polling management and security supervision.
Puducherry Assembly Election 2026: What Is Open Today
- Public transport as bus, taxi and auto services
- Hospitals and emergency medical services
- Pharmacies and medical shops
- Shops and markets
- Restaurants and food outlets
- Petrol pumps
- Online services and delivery platforms
- Stock markets as BSE & NSE functioning normally
Puducherry Assembly Election 2026: What Is Closed Today
- Schools and colleges
- Most bank branches
- Government offices (non-essential services)
- Educational institutions used as polling stations
- Some private offices offering election holiday
- Training institutions and coaching centers
Puducherry Assembly Election 2026: Key Details About the Puducherry Assembly
- Total seats: 30 constituencies
- Voting date: April 9, 2026
- Polling hours: 7 AM – 6 PM
- Vote counting: May 4, 2026
- Registered voters: 9 lakh+
- Regions: Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, Yanam
- Previous turnout: 83.42%
- Major alliances: AINRC-BJP, Congress-DMK
- Polling stations: 1,099
- Security focus: 209 vulnerable booths
Puducherry Assembly Election 2026: Candidate List 2026
- N. Rangasamy (AINRC/NDA)
- A. Namassivayam (BJP) – Mannadipet
- V.P. Ramalingame (BJP) – Raj Bhavan
- A. Johnkumar (BJP) – Mudaliarpet
- Congress-DMK alliance candidates across constituencies
- Regional party candidates
- Independent candidates contesting multiple seats
PM Modi Appeals to the People of Assam to Vote
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged voters in Assam to participate actively in the elections. In a message shared on social media, he encouraged youth and women voters to step forward and strengthen democracy and he emphasized that high participation reflects public responsibility and helps shape governance. Polling in Assam also recorded 38.92% turnout by 11 AM, reflecting steady voter engagement.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and official updates. Schedules and services may change based on local administrative decisions..
