Puducherry backs NDA for second straight term; N Rangasamy wins big

Chennai: With Puducherry chief minister N Rangasamy winning from the Thattanchavady constituency, the AINRC-led NDA is set to return to power in the Union Territory.

According to the Election Commission of India's figures at 8:55 pm, AINRC was leading in 12 constituencies, BJP in four, and LJK in one. DMK was ahead in five constituencies, while TVK led in two. INC, however, was trailing in most seats and leading in just one constituency. A total of 16 seats is required for a simple majority in the 30-member Puducherry legislative assembly. In addition, the UT has three members nominated by the government of India.

The UT comprises the former French establishments of Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam. Rangasamy, a four-time chief minister, split from the Congress to launch the AINRC in 2011. He has served twice as chief minister under the Congress and twice as the AINRC chief.


With his victory in Thattanchavady in this election, Rangasamy is on course to secure a second consecutive term. He defeated E Vinayagam of the Neyam Makkal Kazhagam by a margin of 4,441 votes and Congress leader and former CM VE Vaithilingam by 7,034 votes. Rangasamy has won the Thattanchavady seat five times - in 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, and 2021.

The 75-year-old leader contested for a fifth term from two constituencies - Thattanchavady and Mangalam. Of the 30 assembly constituencies, the ruling AINRC contested 16, its ally BJP fought in 10, while AIADMK and LJK contested two seats each.

Interestingly, LJK secured the seat contested by Jose Charles Martin, son of lottery baron Santiago Martin. The founder of the new party won by a margin of 10,205 votes, defeating PK Devadoss of the Indian National Congress. His victory comes despite Congress launching scathing attacks on him over allegations of corruption. Even some of his alliance partners had expressed displeasure over his inclusion in the NDA, with Rangasamy openly voicing his concerns.

BJP, for its part, clinched two seats - Mannadipet and Neravy-TR Pattinam. The Puducherry polls are being viewed as an opportunity for the party to gradually make inroads into the south and as a gateway to gaining prominence in neighbouring Tamil Nadu.