With the Puducherry Assembly elections just days away, Chief Minister N Rangasamy has officially confirmed that his party, the All India NR Congress (AINRC), will continue its alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), putting an end to days of political speculation.
Speaking after offering prayers at the famous Tiruchendur Temple in Tamil Nadu, Rangasamy said that the alliance has been sealed and that seat-sharing arrangements will be finalised before the nomination deadline.
Rangasamy Likely to Contest from Two Seats
Sources indicate that Rangasamy is preparing to file his nomination soon and may contest from two constituencies this time, a move seen as a strategy to strengthen his party’s position in the Union Territory.
This confirmation also means that the AINRC will continue to lead the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Puducherry for the upcoming polls.
BJP’s Quick Move Stops Possible Exit
Till Thursday evening, there were strong rumours that Rangasamy might walk out of the NDA and join hands with actor Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).
However, the BJP acted swiftly by sending Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to Puducherry on a special flight. His intervention appears to have played a key role in keeping the alliance intact.
Congress-DMK Alliance Still Stuck
While the NDA has finalised its direction, the opposition camp continues to struggle. The alliance between the Indian National Congress and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) remains deadlocked over leadership issues.
The Congress wants to lead the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) in Puducherry, but the DMK, led by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, is insisting on taking charge, similar to its role in Tamil Nadu.
Sources suggest that a final decision from Stalin could come within the next 24–48 hours as pressure mounts.
Temple Visits Signal Election Push
Ahead of the high-stakes election, Rangasamy undertook a spiritual tour across Tamil Nadu, visiting temples including Tiruchendur and Madurai. Party insiders said he sought blessings for the success of both AINRC and its alliance partners.
Interestingly, during his यात्रा, election officials also checked his vehicle on the Madurai–Thoothukudi highway, highlighting the strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct.
Countdown to Nomination Deadline
With Monday being the last date for filing nominations, political activity in Puducherry has reached a fever pitch. Alliances are being sealed, candidates finalised, and strategies locked in.
As the battle lines are now clearly drawn, all eyes are on how the NDA under Rangasamy will perform against a divided opposition in what promises to be a closely watched electoral contest.
