4 years ago
New Delhi:
Former chief minister N Rangaswamy's AINRC is ahead in 14 seats in Puducherry, leads show, as ounting of votes in the Union Territory of Puducherry began at 8 am today along with four states that went to polls this year. The counting begins as a raging coronavirus pandemic infects lakhs daily giving rise to fears that the process may lead to rise in cases further. Puducherry is currently under President's Rule after the dramatic collapse of the V Narayanasamy-led Congress government. The Puducherry assembly election 2021 took place in a single phase on April 6.
The Congress contested 14 of the 30 Assembly seats, with DMK getting 13 and smaller allies the rest. The BJP ceded majority to a local party - in this case, the AINRC of Former Chief Minister N Rangaswamy. The AINRC is contesting 16 seats. The BJP is contesting nine, with the AIADMK getting five.
In the 2016 Assembly polls, Congress had won 15 seats. The AINRC won eight seats, AIADMK got four and the DMK walked away with two MLAs. The BJP could not win any seats.
Of the 30 Assembly seats for Puducherry Elections 2021, five are reserved for Scheduled Caste candidates.
Over 1,300 personnel would be deployed for counting of votes in Puducherry while about 400 police personnel shall be on security duties.
Here are the Live Updates for results of the Puducherry elections 2021:
NR Congress-BJP Alliance Emerges Victorious In Puducherry Polls
The NR Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and AIADMK alliance on Monday emerged victorious in Puducherry Assembly polls.
The All India NR Congress secured 10 seats, and about 25.8 per cent of the total vote share, while the BJP won six, about 13 per cent. The AIADMK drew a blank but managed to garner 4.14 per cent of the total votes.
While independents secured six seats, the Indian National Congress, whose government collapsed before completing its five-year term under Chief Minister V Narayanasamy, managed to score two seats and 15.7 per cent of the total vote share.
The DMK, who fought the polls in alliance with Congress, secured six seats (18.5 per cent).
Puducherry Election Results 2021: Check Full List of Winners
The NRC, BJP and AIADMK alliance is all set to come to power in the Union Territory of Puducherry. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Amit Shah among others thanked the people of Puducherry after the NRC, BJP and AIADMK alliance headed for a majority in the assembly elections. "I thank the people of Puducherry for blessing NDA. We are humbled to serve the people and fulfil their dreams. Our Karyakartas made outstanding efforts to work among the people and elaborate on our agenda of good governance," tweeted PM Modi. The NRC, BJP and AIADMK contested the elections together. The alliance has crossed the simple majority mark. Read more here.
The NRC, BJP and AIADMK alliance is all set to come to power in the Union Territory of Puducherry. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Amit Shah among others thanked the people of Puducherry after the NRC, BJP and AIADMK alliance headed for a majority in the assembly elections. "I thank the people of Puducherry for blessing NDA. We are humbled to serve the people and fulfil their dreams. Our Karyakartas made outstanding efforts to work among the people and elaborate on our agenda of good governance," tweeted PM Modi. The NRC, BJP and AIADMK contested the elections together. The alliance has crossed the simple majority mark. Read more here.
#PuducherryElections2021 | N Rangaswamy's AINRC+ Takes The Lead
- NDTV (@ndtv) May 2, 2021
Read more: https://t.co/cLB4daVfpR pic.twitter.com/Kmm7unLicK
Puducherry Election results: Wins right now
Puducherry Election results: Wins So Far
Source: Election Commission
Source: Election Commission Puducherry Election results: AINRC alliance leading in 15 seats, Congress ahead in 8
AINRC alliance leading in 15 seats, Congress ahead in eight.
Puducherry Election results: Trends right now
Puducherry Election trends at 7:31 pm. https://t.co/QZmvOuUEi4 #AssemblyElections2021 pic.twitter.com/5d0TPD2AY6
- NDTV (@ndtv) May 2, 2021
Puducherry Election results: AINRC leading in 13 seats
Puducherry Election Results: NDA wins 12 assembly seats, set to form government in Puducherry
The NR Congress on Sunday won eight seats in Puducherry and its ally BJP secured four while
A green horn in poll battle, U Lakshmikandhan of AINRC wrested the Embalam (reserved) segment from Congress by defeating its candidate and former Welfare Minister M
The NR Congress on Sunday won eight seats in Puducherry and its ally BJP secured four while
the Congress-led Secular Democratic Alliance (SDA) emerged victorious in three constituencies as the counting continued for the votes polled in the April 6 elections.
As the results for 14 out of 30 assembly seats were declared, the AINRC bagged eight, BJP three, DMK one and Congress two, the Election Commission said.
A Namassivayam of BJP emerged victorious from Mannadipet constituency after defeating his DMK rival A Krishnan.
A Namassivayam, who shifted his allegiance to the BJP in January this year after quitting the Congress, contested the April 6 poll from Mannadipet seat as BJP nominee.
The former minister polled 14,939 votes while his rival secured 12,189 votes.
Kandasamy.
Chief Electoral Officer Shurbir Singh told PTI that the BJP nominee A John Kumar was declared elected from Kamaraj Nagar.
Mr Kumar defeated his immediate Congress rival and former Industries Minister Mohd Shah Jahan.
John Kumar was elected from Kamaraj Nagar in the by election held in November 2019 on Congress ticket.
He has now retained the segment but on different party ticket.
Mr Kumar joined BJP in February after quitting Congress and contested the April 6 poll locking horns with former Industries Minister.
M Vaithianathan of Congress defeated BJP's V Saminathan, who is president of Puducherry unit of the party, by a margin of 5,652 votes in the Lawspet constituency. V Saminathan was one of the nominated legislators in the outgoing Assembly.
M Vaithianathan quit the AINRC a few months ago and joined the Congress.
The DMK wrested the Uppalam constituency here from the AIADMK in the April 6 poll to the territorial Assembly. DMK nominee Annibal Kennedy defeated AIADMK's A Anbalagam in Uppalam.
A Anbalagan was holding the constituency consecutively from his first election in 2001.
(PTI)
Puducherry Election results: AINRC+ leading in 14 seats
The AINRC alliance is leading in 14 seats and the Congress alliance in seven.
Puducherry Election Results: Will NR Congress chief N Rangaswamy become Chief Minister again?
When the Puducherry assembly election results are declared today, former Chief Minister of the Union Territory and All India NR Congress (AINRC) party chief, N Rangaswamy expects to win and become the Chief Minister. The NR Congress, BJP and AIADMK had contested the elections together under his leadership.
NR Congress chief N Rangaswamy, who contested from Thattanchavady and Yanam constituencies, voted at Government Boys Middle School in Thilaspet on April 6.
On March 9, Puducherry BJP in charge, Nirmal Kumar Surana had announced that the party has finalised its seat-sharing deal with the NR Congress and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) for the legislative assembly elections in the Union Territory.
"NR Congress, BJP and AIADMK are going to contest the elections together," he had said.
"NR Congress will contest on 16 seats and BJP-AIADMK will contest on 14 seats. We will face elections in Puducherry under the leadership of N Rangaswamy," Mr Surana had said adding that the alliance will contest polls under the leadership of NR Congress chief and former CM N Rangaswamy.
Addressing a press conference, Mr Surana had said that Mr Rangaswamy will lead the alliance.
Polling for 30 assembly seats in Puducherry was held on April 6. Of the 30 Assembly seats, five are reserved for the Scheduled Caste candidates. As many as 10,02,589 electors will choose the candidates for the 15th legislative Assembly of Puducherry.
Earlier, going back in history, Mr Rangaswamy was the Chief Minister of Puducherry from 2001-8 representing the Congress party.
However, due to internal politics, he resigned from his CM post in August 2008 and formed his own party named All India NR Congress on February 7, 2011. Within three months, in the 2011 Legislative Assembly Elections, his party won 15 seats out of 17 seats it contested and its alliance partner, All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam got 5 out of 10 seats it contested.
Mr Rangaswamy again emerged victoriously and sat on the Chief Ministerial throne from May 16, 2011, till June 6, 2016. Later, he was succeeded by Narayanasamy in 2016.
However, in a recent turn of events, in February 2021, the Congress-led government in the Union Territory fell before completing its five-year term under Chief Minister V Narayansamy.
Mr Narayanasamy had resigned on February 22 ahead of a floor test in the 33-member House (including three nominated) following the resignations of five Congress and one Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) legislators. On February 23, President Ram Nath Kovind accepted the resignation of Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy and his council of ministers.
Elections in Puducherry on April 6, which is currently under President's Rule, was mainly between the Congress-Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) alliance and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) comprising All India NR Congress, All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The NDA in Puducherry is a rare case where the BJP is not the largest constituent of the alliance. The BJP is contesting on nine seats with the alliance led by the All India NR Congress contesting on 16 seats, and the AIADMK on five seats.
The Congress, whose government in the Union Territory fell in February before completing its five-year term under the Chief Minister V Narayansamy, has also ceded its ground to its allies in Puducherry, giving 13 seats to the DMK and one each to the Communist Party of India and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi. The party skipped fielding Narayanasamy. Congress is contesting on only 14 out of its 15 seats now.
When the Puducherry assembly election results are declared today, former Chief Minister of the Union Territory and All India NR Congress (AINRC) party chief, N Rangaswamy expects to win and become the Chief Minister. The NR Congress, BJP and AIADMK had contested the elections together under his leadership.
NR Congress chief N Rangaswamy, who contested from Thattanchavady and Yanam constituencies, voted at Government Boys Middle School in Thilaspet on April 6.
On March 9, Puducherry BJP in charge, Nirmal Kumar Surana had announced that the party has finalised its seat-sharing deal with the NR Congress and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) for the legislative assembly elections in the Union Territory.
"NR Congress, BJP and AIADMK are going to contest the elections together," he had said.
"NR Congress will contest on 16 seats and BJP-AIADMK will contest on 14 seats. We will face elections in Puducherry under the leadership of N Rangaswamy," Mr Surana had said adding that the alliance will contest polls under the leadership of NR Congress chief and former CM N Rangaswamy.
Addressing a press conference, Mr Surana had said that Mr Rangaswamy will lead the alliance.
Polling for 30 assembly seats in Puducherry was held on April 6. Of the 30 Assembly seats, five are reserved for the Scheduled Caste candidates. As many as 10,02,589 electors will choose the candidates for the 15th legislative Assembly of Puducherry.
Earlier, going back in history, Mr Rangaswamy was the Chief Minister of Puducherry from 2001-8 representing the Congress party.
However, due to internal politics, he resigned from his CM post in August 2008 and formed his own party named All India NR Congress on February 7, 2011. Within three months, in the 2011 Legislative Assembly Elections, his party won 15 seats out of 17 seats it contested and its alliance partner, All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam got 5 out of 10 seats it contested.
Mr Rangaswamy again emerged victoriously and sat on the Chief Ministerial throne from May 16, 2011, till June 6, 2016. Later, he was succeeded by Narayanasamy in 2016.
However, in a recent turn of events, in February 2021, the Congress-led government in the Union Territory fell before completing its five-year term under Chief Minister V Narayansamy.
Mr Narayanasamy had resigned on February 22 ahead of a floor test in the 33-member House (including three nominated) following the resignations of five Congress and one Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) legislators. On February 23, President Ram Nath Kovind accepted the resignation of Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy and his council of ministers.
Elections in Puducherry on April 6, which is currently under President's Rule, was mainly between the Congress-Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) alliance and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) comprising All India NR Congress, All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The NDA in Puducherry is a rare case where the BJP is not the largest constituent of the alliance. The BJP is contesting on nine seats with the alliance led by the All India NR Congress contesting on 16 seats, and the AIADMK on five seats.
The Congress, whose government in the Union Territory fell in February before completing its five-year term under the Chief Minister V Narayansamy, has also ceded its ground to its allies in Puducherry, giving 13 seats to the DMK and one each to the Communist Party of India and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi. The party skipped fielding Narayanasamy. Congress is contesting on only 14 out of its 15 seats now.
The counting of votes is taking place today and the results of the Assembly elections will be declared by the Election Commission in the evening.
(ANI)
Puducherry Election results LIVE: BJP's A Namassivayam wins from Mannadipet
BJP's A Namassivayam wins from Mannadipet constituency in Puducherry
BJP's A Namassivayam wins from Mannadipet constituency in Puducherry
"I am thankful to the voters for electing me as their representative. NDA will take up welfare activities for people of Puducherry and continue to work for them," he says.
Puducherry Election results: Trends right now, leads remain unchanged
Puducherry Election trends at 3:43 pm. https://t.co/QZmvOuUEi4 #AssemblyElections2021 pic.twitter.com/yzz1bkuCi7
- NDTV (@ndtv) May 2, 2021
Puducherry Election Results Live Updates: Election Commission on slow counting
Counting has not slowed down, due to heavy load the server has slowed down. Counting is continuing in the constituencies without any let-up: Election Commission of India
Counting has not slowed down, due to heavy load the server has slowed down. Counting is continuing in the constituencies without any let-up: Election Commission of India
Puducherry Election results: Trends remain unchanged in Union Territory
Puducherry Election trends at 2:42 pm. https://t.co/QZmvOuUEi4 #AssemblyElections2021 pic.twitter.com/vsdVt7Pqtm
- NDTV (@ndtv) May 2, 2021
Puducherry Election results: Trends right now
Puducherry Election trends at 2:12 pm. https://t.co/QZmvOuUEi4 #AssemblyElections2021 pic.twitter.com/inO2lAAUZ2
- NDTV (@ndtv) May 2, 2021
Election Results 2021: File Cases Against Those Congregating: Election Commission To Chief SecretariesElection Commission Sunday said it has taken a stern view of reports of the congregation of people to celebrate anticipated victory and has asked the chief secretaries concerned to file an FIR in each case and suspend the police station in charge.
Assembly Election Results 2021: Poll strategist Prashant Kishor speaks to NDTV on Election Results
#NDTVExclusive | Poll strategist Prashant Kishor speaks to NDTV on #ElectionResults
- NDTV (@ndtv) May 2, 2021
Watch Live: https://t.co/TBP8hfQ3v5
Puducherry Election results: Trends right now
Puducherry Election trends at 1:42 pm. https://t.co/QZmvOuUEi4 #AssemblyElections2021 pic.twitter.com/QuhzkpNurT
- NDTV (@ndtv) May 2, 2021
Election Commission orders FIR over celebratory congregations in anticipation of poll victory
With the counting of votes underway, the Election Commission Sunday said it has taken a stern view of reports of congregation of people to celebrate anticipated victory, and has asked the chief secretaries concerned to file an FIR in each case and suspend the police station in charge where such gatherings happen.
Responding to queries about reports of celebratory gatherings by supporters of political parties, an EC spokesperson said the poll panel has taken a serious note of some reports of congregations of people to celebrate anticipated victory.
"The ECI has directed CS (chief secretaries) of all five states to file FIR in each such case, suspend the SHO of the concerned police station and report action taken immediately of each such incidence," the spokesperson said.
The EC had recently banned victory processions on the counting day to curb the spread of coronavirus.
The counting of votes for the assembly polls in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and the Union Territory of Puducherry is underway at a time the country is grappling with a raging Covid-19 pandemic.
The counting process began at 8 am.
(PTI)
Puducherry Elections: File Cases Against Those Celebrated During Vote Counting: Poll Body
The Election Commission has taken serious note of some reports coming in of congregation(s) of people to celebrate anticipated victory. ECI has directed all five states to file FIR in each such case, suspend SHO of the police stations and report action taken immediately of each such incidence.
Election Commission of India writes to Chief Secretaries of all States/UTs to "prohibit victory celebrations urgently". ECI also directs that responsible SHOs and other officers must be suspended immediately and criminal and disciplinary actions must be initiated against them pic.twitter.com/4aEydSH42P
- ANI (@ANI) May 2, 2021
Assembly Election Results 2021: Trends predict big wins for TMC in Bengal, DMK in Tamil Nadu
#AssemblyElections2021 | Trends at 12:45 AM: TMC is all set to sweep Bengal, BJP to retain Assam, LDF to retain Kerala and MK Stalin-led DMK is set form the government in Tamil Nadu pic.twitter.com/hwBYm6kxur
- NDTV (@ndtv) May 2, 2021
Puducherry Election Results today: Trends at 12:41 pm
Puducherry Election trends at 12:41 pm. https://t.co/QZmvOuUEi4 #AssemblyElections2021 pic.twitter.com/1H72IFxGtK
- NDTV (@ndtv) May 2, 2021
Puducherry Election results: Trends right now
Puducherry Election trends at 12:11 pm. https://t.co/QZmvOuUEi4 #AssemblyElections2021 pic.twitter.com/0aveMblWRO
- NDTV (@ndtv) May 2, 2021
Puducherry Election results: AINRC+ leading in 11 seats
Puducherry Election results: Winners in the Union Territory
BJP's A Namasivayam has won in Puducherry. In Uppalam, DMK candidate Anipal has won.
BJP's A Namasivayam has won in Puducherry. In Uppalam, DMK candidate Anipal has won.
Puducherry Election results: AINRC-led NDA is leading in Puducherry
The AINRC-led NDA is leading in Puducherry while the Congress headed alliance was ahead in three segments after first round of counting of votes polled in April 6 elections, officials said.
According to trends available till 10.30 am, AINRC chief N Rangasamy was leading in his constituency. The NDA-led front comprises the AINRC, AIADMK and BJP.
There are 30 Assembly constituencies spread over Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam regions.
The chief contestants in the poll are the AINRC leader N Rangasamy heading the NDA in which the AINRC, AIADMK and BJP are the constituents.
On the other side, the Congress-led Secular Democratic Alliance (SDA) comprises the Congress, DMK, VCK and CPI.
(PTI)
Puducherry Election Results: Trends at 11:10 am
Puducherry Election trends at 11:10 am. https://t.co/QZmvOuUEi4 #AssemblyElections2021 pic.twitter.com/oPOMwAPVy7
- NDTV (@ndtv) May 2, 2021
Puducherry Election results: BJP leading in four seats
Puducherry election results: BJP is leading in four seats. The party is part of the AINRC-led alliance.
Puducherry election results: BJP is leading in four seats. The party is part of the AINRC-led alliance.
#PuducherryElections2021 | The BJP is leading in four seats. The party is part of the AINRC-led alliance. pic.twitter.com/P04YXoxMga
- NDTV (@ndtv) May 2, 2021
Puducherry results: Puducherry Election trends
Puducherry Election trends at 10:40 am. https://t.co/QZmvOuUEi4 #AssemblyElections2021 pic.twitter.com/g8ehGHyApp
- NDTV (@ndtv) May 2, 2021
Puducherry poll results: AINRC leading in 12 seats
AINRC leading in 12 seats, Congress in four in Puducherry.
Puducherry Election results: AINRC leading in 12 seats,
AINRC leading in 12 seats in Puducherry, Congress in five.
AINRC leading in 12 seats in Puducherry, Congress in five.
Puducherry Poll results 2021: N Rangaswamy leading in Thattanchavady
AINRC Chief N Rangaswamy is leading at the moment, his alliance is leading in 10 seats.
#PuducherryElections2021 | AINRC Chief N Rangaswamy is leading at the moment, his alliance is leading in 10 seats pic.twitter.com/cDLvzqPZtl
- NDTV (@ndtv) May 2, 2021
Puducherry Election results: Congress leading in only one seat
Official trends for #PuducherryElections2021 | Congress leading on 1 seat. pic.twitter.com/Ty2V6Qhg9v
- ANI (@ANI) May 2, 2021
Assembly Election Results 2021: Super Close In Bengal, Left Ahead In Kerala, DMK Edge In Tamil NaduThe BJP and Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool are locked in a close fight in Bengal as votes are being counted for state elections held amid a huge Covid surge. DMK has made gains in Tamil Nadu. BJP leads in Assam; in Kerala, LDF and UDF are neck and neck.
Puducherry Election results: AINRC leading in the Union Territory
Puducherry Election trends at 9:30 am. https://t.co/QZmvOuUEi4 #AssemblyElections2021 pic.twitter.com/sZtYFaWWd5
- NDTV (@ndtv) May 2, 2021
Puducherry Election results: AINRC takes the lead in six seats
AINRC leading in six seats in Puducherry.
Puducherry Election results: 17,300 postal ballots received says, Chief Electoral Office
Chief Electoral Officer Shurbir Singh told PTI that more than 17,300 postal ballots have been received in the whole of Union Territory.
The counting of votes relating to all the 30 segments is expected to be completed by 11 PM Sunday, a release from the office of CEO said.
Chief Electoral Officer Shurbir Singh told PTI that more than 17,300 postal ballots have been received in the whole of Union Territory.
Nearly 82 per cent of the 10.04 lakh voters had exercised their franchise in the Union Territory on April 6. As many as 324 candidates jumped into polls and they included party sponsored nominees and Independents.
(PTI)
Puducherry results: AINRC leading in the Union Territory, show early leads
AINRC alliance leading in four seats, Congress+ in one.
AINRC alliance leading in four seats, Congress+ in one.
Puducherry Assembly Election results: Three counting centres in the Union Territory
Counting of votes would take place simultaneously in Karaikal (having five constituencies) and Mahe and Yanam regions having one segment each.
There are three counting centres in Puducherry region -Motilal Nehru Government Polytechnic college, the Women's polytechnic college and the Government Tagore Arts and Science college (all in neighbouring Lawspet)-relating to the 23 segments in Puducherry.
Puducherry Election results: Postal ballots taken up first for counting of votes
This would be followed by counting of votes recorded in Electronic voting machines (EVMs) at 8.30 AM, the spokesman said.
Counting of votes polled in the April 6 Assembly elections in Puducherry began at 8 AM on Sunday.
There are 30 Assembly constituencies spread over Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam regions.
Counting began amid tight security and in strict adherence to the Covid protocols.
A spokesman of the Election Department here told PTI that postal ballots were taken up first for counting.
Puducherry Election results: Counting halls increased in view of pandemic
They said counting of votes will continue late into the night. As many as 1,100 counting observers will watch the process and candidates and agents will have to produce a negative COVID test report or double dose of vaccination certificate to get an entry.
There will be 2,364 counting halls as compared to 1,002 halls in 2016 in 822 assembly constituencies, (which includes the other states apart from Puducherry) a more than 200 per cent increase, in view of the COVID guidelines, according to the Election Commission which had drawn flak from the courts over the conduct of polls during the pandemic.
At least 15 rounds of sanitisation will be carried out at each polling centre, besides social distancing and other precautions, including a ban on gatherings, will be strictly followed, officials said.
Puducherry Assembly Election results: Counting of votes begin
Counting of votes begin for 30 assembly seats of Puducherry.
Counting of votes begin for 30 assembly seats of Puducherry.
Assembly Election Results 2021: How To Check Election Results On NDTV Website And App
Assembly Polls 2021 Results: The counting of votes for Assembly Elections in West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry will be done on 2nd May. Here's how you can check the results on NDTV website and App.
Assembly Polls 2021 Results: The counting of votes for Assembly Elections in West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry will be done on 2nd May. Here's how you can check the results on NDTV website and App.
Puducherry assembly polls results: Counting to begin with Covid guidelines in place
All arrangements are in place for counting of votes in tune with COVID-19 guidelines for Assembly polls held on April 6 in Puducherry as political parties await results anxiously.
The counting of postal ballots is set to begin at 8 am on Sunday after which the votes polled in the Electronic Voting Machines are expected to be taken up half an hour later.
Cumulatively, there would be 3,372 EVM tables and depending on the constituency and votes polled, counting of votes is expected to range anywhere from 13 to 43 rounds in each of the 234 segments. Authorities said the counting of votes would be in strict adherence to the EC guidelines to prevent the spread of coronavirus which includes RT-PCR testing for agents.
Election Results 2021: Counting Day For India's Biggest Election Amid Pandemic: 10 PointsCounting of votes for the Assam, Bengal, Kerala, Puducherry and Tamil Nadu Assembly polls - held between March 27 and April 29 - starts 8 am, amid a devastating second Covid wave and concerns the process could lead to a even bigger spike.
Puducherry election results: Counting of votes to begin at 8am
Counting of votes for Puducherry Assembly polls to begin at 8 am today. Visuals from a counting centre in Lawspet.
Counting of votes for #PuducherryAssemblypolls to begin at 8 am today. Outside visuals from a counting centre in Lawspet pic.twitter.com/Hm5Zr6fZkS
- ANI (@ANI) May 2, 2021
Puducherry election results: N Rangasamy, the ex-Congress chief minister who hopes to win
N Rangasamy was the Congress Chief Minister in 2001 and 2006.
He broke away from the Congress in 2011 and floated the AINRC which emerged victorious in the polls that year and formed the government with the support of an Independent, achieving the magic figure of 16 in the House of 30-members.
N Rangasamy was the Congress Chief Minister in 2001 and 2006.
He broke away from the Congress in 2011 and floated the AINRC which emerged victorious in the polls that year and formed the government with the support of an Independent, achieving the magic figure of 16 in the House of 30-members.
Puducherry election results today: N Rangasamy confident of being chief minister if NDA comes to power
"I will definitely be the Chief Minister of the next dispensation," he said at an election meeting in Thattanchavady assembly segment from where he contested.
Mr Rangasamy also contested from Yanam, an enclave of Puducherry in Andhra Pradesh.
N Rangasamy had said in March that there is no doubt as to who will be the next Chief Minister in the event of NDA forming the next government in Puducherry.
Mr Rangasamy also contested from Yanam, an enclave of Puducherry in Andhra Pradesh.
Puducherry election results today: The Union Territory is currently under President's rule
The Congress-led government in Puducherry fell before completing its five-year term under V Narayansamy. Mr Narayanasamy resigned on February 22 ahead of a floor test in the 33-member House (including three nominated) following the resignations of five Congress and one DMK legislator.
On February 23, President Ram Nath Kovind accepted the resignation of the Puducherry Chief Minister and his council of ministers. Kiran Bedi was replaced as Puducherry lieutenant governor with Telangana governor Tamilisai Soundararajan being given the additional charge of the Union Territory.
Puducherry election results today: AINRC-BJP to win Union Territory, predicts poll of exit polls
Former Chief Minister N Rangaswamy-led All India NR Congress-BJP alliance and the Congress-DMK combine are the key contenders for the fight. A poll of exit polls has predicted a win for the front led by Mr Rangaswamy with 18 of 30 seats.
(Warning: Exit polls often get it wrong)
