Puducherry records 86.92 pc voter turnout as high-stakes polls conclude ​

Puducherry: Polling for the 30-member Puducherry Assembly concluded on Thursday amid tight security, with the Union Territory recording a record-breaking voter turnout that underscored the intensity of the electoral battle. ​

By 5 p.m., voter turnout had reached an impressive 86.92 per cent, already surpassing the previous high of 86 per cent recorded in 2006. ​

Officials expressed confidence that the final turnout figure would climb even higher, as voters standing in queues at closing time were permitted to cast their ballots. ​

Voting began at 7 a.m. across all constituencies and proceeded smoothly through the day, with enthusiastic participation reported from Puducherry and its enclaves of Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam. Long queues were seen outside polling booths, reflecting strong public engagement in what is widely seen as a crucial election for the Union Territory. ​

A total of 9.5 lakh voters were eligible to vote, spread across 23 constituencies in Puducherry, five in Karaikal, and one each in Mahe and Yanam. Women voters, numbering 5.03 lakh, outnumbered male voters, who stood at 4.46 lakh. ​

Authorities had set up 1,099 polling stations, of which 209 were identified as vulnerable, necessitating enhanced security measures. ​

The election witnessed a multi-cornered contest, though the principal fight remained between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the All India N.R. Congress (AINRC), and the opposition INDIA bloc comprising the Congress, DMK, and VCK. ​

Adding to the political dynamics was the entry of actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which generated significant interest among voters. ​

Actor-director Seeman’s Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) also fielded candidates, aiming to expand its regional footprint. ​

Polling officially concluded at 6 p.m. across all constituencies, with election officials ensuring that those in queues were allowed to vote through a token system. ​

The high turnout, significantly higher than the 82.2 per cent recorded in the 2021 Assembly election, is being seen as a reflection of heightened political awareness and voter mobilisation.​

With a record turnout and a closely contested field, the Puducherry Assembly election has set the stage for a decisive mandate that will shape the Union Territory’s political future. ​

IANS