All India N.R. Congress’s P Rajavelu emerged victorious from the Nettapakkam constituency in Puducherry, defeating Congress’s G Anbarasan by a margin of 6,689 votes. The constituency, located on the southwestern edge of Puducherry along the Tamil Nadu border, is a reserved Scheduled Caste (SC) seat dominated by farming households and rural communities. Local development, welfare schemes, and grassroots engagement often carry more influence here than high-profile political campaigns.
Key Candidates and Political Dynamics
In the April 9 assembly elections, AINRC’s P Rajavelu contested as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate. He faced P Sadasivam of the Congress party, representing the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), and L Periasamy of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), who had notably won this seat in 2011. The constituency has witnessed several political shifts over the years. Veteran Congress leader V Vaithilingam held the seat for a long period before it changed hands. The AIADMK secured victory in 2011 through Periasamy, followed by Congress reclaiming it in 2016. In 2021, AINRC’s Rajavelu won decisively with a margin of 6,638 votes, with nearly 28,000 voters participating, reflecting strong electoral engagement.
Voter Turnout Surges in 2026
Voter turnout in 2026 surged to an impressive 93.65% by 7 pm, significantly higher than the 81.66% recorded in 2021. Polling progressed steadily through the day, starting at 16.13% at 9 am, rising to 36.59% by 11 am, 56.42% at 1 pm, 72.64% by 3 pm, and reaching 90% by 5 pm. This high turnout indicates robust democratic participation in the constituency.
Broader Election Context
The Nettapakkam result is part of the larger 2026 assembly elections in Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala, and Assam. TVK has emerged as a formidable force in Tamil Nadu, pushing DMK and AIADMK to the margins. In West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee is trailing behind Suvendu Adhikari after the second round in Bhabanipur, while the BJP is expected to retain Assam and potentially oust Mamata in Bengal. For full coverage, including constituency-wise results and party-wise trends, follow the latest updates on Times of India.
