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N. Rangasamy Meets Lt Governor, Stakes Claim to Form Government in Puducherry
AINRC founder and NDA leader N. Rangasamy formally met Lieutenant Governor K. Kailasanathan on Friday and staked claim to form the next government in Puducherry after the NDA’s impressive victory in the 2026 Assembly elections.
Rangasamy submitted letters of support from the elected MLAs of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), including members from:
- All India NR Congress (AINRC)
- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
- AIADMK
- Latchia Jananayaga Katchi (LJK)
According to Raj Nivas sources, the Lieutenant Governor has forwarded the recommendation to President Droupadi Murmu for formal approval.
NDA Secures Comfortable Majority
The NDA alliance achieved a clear majority in the 30-member Puducherry Legislative Assembly.
Seat Tally:
| Party | Seats Won |
|---|---|
| AINRC | 12 |
| BJP | 4 |
| AIADMK | 1 |
| LJK | 1 |
| Total NDA | 18 |
The opposition alliance performed poorly:
- DMK: 5 seats
- Congress: 1 seat
- TVK: 2 seats
Additionally, Puducherry will have three nominated MLAs, which could further strengthen the NDA numerically.
Rangasamy Likely to Take Oath on May 13
Sources close to the administration indicated that Rangasamy is expected to be sworn in as Chief Minister on May 13, 2026. This would mark his fifth term as Chief Minister of Puducherry.
The swearing-in ceremony is expected to witness the presence of several senior NDA leaders from New Delhi and Tamil Nadu.
Why Rangasamy Resigned Before Forming Government Again
Even though the NDA retained power, Rangasamy resigned as Chief Minister on May 7 as part of the constitutional process before the formation of a fresh government after elections. He submitted his resignation to the Lieutenant Governor at Lok Bhavan.
Historic Victory for NDA in Puducherry
Political observers say the 2026 result is significant because:
- It is one of the rare occasions an incumbent government has retained power in Puducherry.
- The NDA successfully converted governance performance into electoral support.
- Rangasamy’s personal popularity remained a major factor in the alliance’s victory.
After the victory, Rangasamy stated that the election result reflected public approval of the NDA government’s five-year performance in the Union Territory.
Key Challenges Before the New Government
The new administration is expected to focus on:
- Infrastructure development
- Employment generation
- Tourism growth
- Welfare schemes
- Long-pending demand for full statehood for Puducherry
Rangasamy has repeatedly argued that Puducherry’s Union Territory status limits the powers of the elected government and slows decision-making.
About N. Rangasamy
Rangasamy is one of Puducherry’s most influential political leaders. Known for his simple image and welfare-oriented politics, he founded the AINRC after leaving the Congress party. He has served multiple terms as Chief Minister and remains a dominant figure in Puducherry politics.