The AINRC-led NDA achieved a significant victory in the recent Puducherry assembly elections, winning 18 out of 30 seats amid fierce competition from the INDIA bloc. The elections saw a historic voter turnout of 91.23%, reflecting strong public engagement.
The NDA coalition, which includes the All India NR Congress (AINRC), BJP, AIADMK, and LJK, claimed a majority with 18 seats. Specifically, AINRC won 12 seats, while BJP secured 4, AIADMK obtained 1, and LJK also took home 1 seat.
In contrast, the INDIA bloc managed to win only six seats—five by DMK and one by Congress. Additionally, independent candidates succeeded in capturing three seats. Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) won two seats while its ally Neyam Makkal Katchi (NMK) secured one.
Notably, N Rangasamy, the incumbent chief minister and founder of AINRC, won both the Thattanchavady and Mangalam constituencies. His victory margin in Thattanchavady was 4,441 votes—a clear indication of his popularity.
Several constituencies experienced tight races with narrow margins separating candidates. Prominent losses for established political figures included R Selvam, R Siva, V P Ramalingame, and M Vaithianathan.
This election marks a crucial moment for political parties in Puducherry as they prepare for future contests. The results could reshape alliances and strategies leading up to the next assembly elections in 2026.
