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Puducherry Aims for "Model Elections" as ECI Reviews 2026 Poll Prep

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar stated that political parties have promised the Election Commission that the upcoming Puducherry Assembly elections will be "model elections" for the country. The ECI team, including Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, is on a three-day visit to assess preparedness for polls likely in early 2026. The review includes meetings with top officials, enforcement agencies, and recognized national and state political parties. The ruling AINRC-BJP alliance will defend its position against the DMK-Congress opposition in the 30-seat assembly.

Key Points: ECI Reviews Puducherry's 2026 Assembly Election Preparedness

  • ECI reviews 2026 poll prep
  • Parties pledge "model elections"
  • AINRC-BJP alliance vs DMK-Congress
  • 2021 saw fractured mandate
  • Meetings with officials & parties
2 min read

CEC Gyanesh Kumar holds meetings ahead of Puducherry Assembly polls

CEC Gyanesh Kumar leads review, says parties promise "model elections" for the country. Polls likely in first half of 2026.

"assembly elections... will be a model election for the entire country - CEC Gyanesh Kumar"

Puducherry, February 25

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Wednesday said that the political parties have promised the Election Commission that the upcoming Puducherry Assembly elections will be "model elections" for the country.

CEC Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi held several meetings with Puducherry officials today.

Speaking to ANI, CEC Gyanesh Kumar said, "All national and state political parties and all heads of the election machinery have promised the Election Commission that the assembly elections to be held in Puducherry will be a model election for the entire country in every respect."

The ECI officials are on a visit to Tamil Nadu and Puducherry from February 25 to 27 to assess poll preparedness in the state and the Union territory, where assembly elections are likely to be held in the first half of 2026.

"Review meeting on Poll Preparedness underway in Puducherry in the presence of CEC Gyanesh Kumar, along with EC Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and EC Vivek Joshi, with IGs, DIGs, DEOs, SPs/SSPs and heads/nodal officers of Enforcement agencies of Puducherry," ECI wrote on X.

According to the Commission, the ECI officials, along with the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Puducherry and other senior officials, also held meetings with recognised National and State political parties.

The ruling alliance of All India NR Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will look to defend its power against Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and Congress in the upcoming polls.

In 2021, the AINRC won 10 out of the 30 seats that went into the elections, while the BJP secured six seats. DMK also won six seats while Congress won two, with independent candidates securing the remaining six seats. Three MLAs in the Legislative Assembly are nominated by the Centre.

In the last elections, five of the 30 seats were reserved for the Scheduled castes.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
"Model elections" is a good goal, but promises from political parties are one thing. The real test is on polling day. The ECI must be strict about MCC violations and money power. Last time there were many complaints.
S
Suresh O
The 2021 results show how fragmented the mandate was. With AINRC+BJP alliance vs DMK+Congress, 2026 will be a direct fight. Hope the focus remains on local issues like tourism and infrastructure, not just national narratives.
A
Arjun K
Respectfully, the term "model election" feels like an overused slogan before every poll. What we need is transparency in EVM handling and immediate action on paid news. Actions matter more than pre-poll promises, Mr. CEC.
M
Meera T
It's a Union Territory with a distinct French colonial heritage. The election dynamics are so different from mainland states. Glad the full commission is visiting. The focus should also be on empowering women voters and SC reserved seats.
D
David E
Interesting to see the planning start so early for 2026. Shows the scale of Indian elections. The involvement of central enforcement agencies is crucial to prevent illegal activities. Hope it sets a benchmark.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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