N Rangasamy

n rangasamy has been sworn in as Puducherry's Chief Minister for a fifth term, leading an AINRC-BJP NDA government. He secured victory in two constituencies during the recent assembly elections. The NDA coalition holds a comfortable majority in the 30-member assembly, ensuring a stable government for the Union Territory.

Elected for the record fifth time from the Uppalam constituency, Anbalagan was recommended based on his vast legislative experience.

The portfolios of the chief minister and ministers will be announced later.

Rangasamy, who has been the longest-serving chief minister of Puducherry, presented a letter of support from the legislative assembly members demanding the right to form the government. The letter has been sent for the President's approval.

Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy resigned from his post following the recent Assembly election results, where the NDA retained power. Rangasamy, a veteran leader and founder of AINRC, has served multiple terms as Chief Minister. His resignation marks another significant moment in Puducherry's evolving political landscape.

Immediately after the meeting, Rangasamy called on lieutenant governor K Kailashnathan, submitted the letters of support from elected members of the NDA and staked his claim to form the govt. The MLAs of the alliance partners accompanied him.

NDA retained power in Puducherry, securing 18 seats, largely due to AINRC chief n rangasamy's charisma and welfare schemes. A fragmented opposition, marred by internal friction and seat-sharing confusion between Congress and DMK, failed to present a united front. Rangasamy is set for a record fifth term as Chief Minister.

Before taking oath as chief minister for the fifth time, Rangasamy visited the Sri Sadhguru Appa Paithiyam Swamigal Temple in Salem Suramangalam and placed the list of ministers before the statue of the late sage.

Early trends show the NDA, led by AINRC, is set to retain power in Puducherry. Chief Minister n rangasamy secured the Thattanchavady seat, a key victory. The Congress-DMK alliance struggles, indicating a fragmented opposition. The NDA's organizational strength and voter outreach appear to have secured them another term, promising continuity in governance.

NDA comprising AINRC, BJP, AIADMK and LJK has won three seats and is leading in 19 seats. A total of 16 seats is required for a simple majority in the 30-member House.

Speaking to reporters after collecting his certificate of election from a counting official, Rangasamy said the people have recognised the govt’s achievements and have elected the NDA again for the second consecutive term. He hailed the outcome as a direct mandate from the people validating his administration’s performance over the last five years.

The newly formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor Vijay, won two seats while its alliance partner, Puducherry-based party, Neyam Makkal Katchi (NMK) won one seat. TVK candidates have secured a significant number of votes, impacting the winning margins between the two major alliances.