Puducherry, February 17, 2026: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has officially assigned the “Torch Light” election symbol to the Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) for the upcoming 2026 Legislative Assembly elections in Puducherry, formalising the party’s participation in the Union Territory’s electoral contest.
The announcement comes amid heightened activity by the poll panel as it gears up for Assembly elections in both Puducherry and Tamil Nadu. A high-level delegation comprising seven Deputy Election Commissioners recently visited Chennai to conduct a comprehensive review of election preparedness in the region.
The team, which includes senior officials such as Bhanwar Prakash, Manish Garg, Pawan Kumar Sharma, Sanjay Kumar, and Ashish Goyal, is examining logistical arrangements, deployment of polling personnel, coordination with district administrations, and other operational aspects crucial for smooth conduct of the elections.
Speaking to reporters, Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Maneesh Garg confirmed that the delegation is assessing on-ground readiness in both Chennai and Puducherry to ensure that all arrangements are in place well before polling dates are announced.
On the political front, discussions around alliances and seat-sharing have gathered pace in Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president K Selvaperunthagai indicated that strategic decisions regarding the Assembly elections would be guided by the All India Congress Committee (AICC), underscoring that the state unit would adhere to directions from the central leadership. He also reiterated that relations between the Congress and its ally, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), remain stable.
Congress Member of Parliament Manickam Tagore has meanwhile expressed that the party is awaiting further clarity from the DMK regarding the constitution of a coordination committee to take forward alliance discussions. He emphasised the importance of equitable seat-sharing and mutual respect within the coalition framework.
The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly comprises 234 seats. In the previous 2021 elections, the DMK-led alliance secured a decisive mandate, winning 151 seats, with the DMK emerging as the dominant partner.
As the Election Commission accelerates its groundwork and political parties refine their strategies, attention is steadily shifting toward finalising alliances, candidate selection, and seat distribution formulas in the run-up to the 2026 Assembly elections.
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