The NDA, led by N Rangaswamy’s All India N R Congress (AINRC), secured a second term by retaining power in Puducherry, where the people trusted the NDA Government view of its corruption-free welfare and developmental governance. In terms of vote percentage, the NDA lost five percentage points compared to the 2021 polls, but it still managed to win 18 of the 30 seats by securing a vote share of 38.7 per cent.
The NDA won 18 seats — AINRC 12, BJP 4, AIADMK 1 and LJK 1. A total of 16 seats is required for a simple majority in the 30-member House. The new entrant Latchiya Jananayaga Katchi (LJK) leader Jose Charles Martin won from his constituency, while his party candidates lost in other places. Eighteen sitting MLAs lost their seats, with an equal number of new faces entering the Assembly. It is to be noted that several constituencies witnessed neck-and-neck battles, while Independents won three seats.
CM’s Appeal Wins Voters’ Hearts
According to political observers, “CM Rangaswamy’s victory was due to his Makkal Mudalvar (people’s Chief Minister) appeal that struck a chord among voters. Moreover, he can be easily approached and has a down-to-earth image. Simple and suave was his trademark. His victory in Thattanchavady with an increased margin of 4,441 votes speaks for his popularity.”
Locals say the Government’s focus on populist schemes, including a Rs 2,500 monthly dole to women heads of households, free grain distribution and a 100 per cent increase in fixed deposit amounts under the Chief Minister’s Girl Child Protection Scheme, won voters’ hearts.
AINRC chief Rangaswamy won both the seats he contested and is set to become Chief Minister for a record fifth time, continuing his sentimental practice of contesting from two constituencies. Apart from his poll debut in 1990, Rangaswamy has won all eight Assembly elections he has contested since 1991.
Rangaswamy on May 5 said, “The victory of the NDA in the Assembly elections in Puducherry is due to the performance of the AINRC-BJP-led government over the past five years.” He told the media, “People have recognised our achievements and voted for the continuation of the government. The outcome is a mandate for the government’s achievements. The new government will continue to implement welfare measures.”
He defeated Congress MP and former CM V Vaithilingam, who was projected as the chief ministerial candidate of the Congress front, in the Thattanchavady constituency. He also won from the Mangalam constituency. In 2011, he contested from Kathirkamam and Indira Nagar and won both seats. In 2016, he contested only from Indira Nagar and won, though his party lost the polls. In 2021, he contested from Thattanchavady and Yanam and won the former segment. He is the longest-serving Chief Minister in the annals of Puducherry.
Rangaswamy also thanked PM Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for their support during the campaign. He is set to meet the Lieutenant Governor to stake claim to form the Government. Rangaswamy said voters of Puducherry had taught a lesson to politicians whom they considered unsuitable for the Assembly.
In another development, A Namasivayam was elected leader of the BJP legislature party. Critics pointed out that “on December 9, 2025, Puducherry Congress MP V Vaithilingam was the first among INDIA bloc members to sign the petition seeking the impeachment/removal of Madras High Court Judge Justice G R Swaminathan in connection with the Thiruparankundram temple Karthigai Deepam issue. Now karma has played its role by handing him defeat”.
