Guwahati, May 4 -- Vote counting for the 30 member Puducherry Assembly began on Monday amid keen political interest, with early trends indicating a close contest between the ruling alliance and the opposition bloc.

The ruling All India N. R. Congress (AINRC) government has mounted a strong effort to stay in power, while the opposition INDIA bloc including Congress and DMK despite internal differences, has been working to oust the N. Rangasamy led NR Congress administration. According to trends released by the Election Commission of India, N. Rangasamy was leading in the Thattanchavady constituency by over 4,336 votes.

Early trends suggested that Puducherry may once again see an NDA led government, with the alliance leading in 11 out of ...