N. Rangasamy moved a step closer to returning as Puducherry Chief Minister for a fifth term after formally staking claim to form the new government in the Union Territory following the NDA’s decisive electoral victory.
The veteran leader met Lieutenant Governor K. Kailasanathan on Friday and submitted letters of support from alliance legislators after being unanimously chosen as leader of the NDA legislature party.
NDA Crosses Majority Mark in Puducherry
The National Democratic Alliance secured a strong mandate in the recently concluded Assembly elections, comfortably crossing the majority mark in the 30-member Assembly.
Rangasamy’s All India NR Congress emerged as the biggest contributor to the alliance victory by winning 12 of the 16 seats it contested.
The Bharatiya Janata Party added four more seats to the NDA tally, while alliance partners All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and Latchia Jananayaga Katchi secured one seat each.
Together, the NDA now commands 18 elected seats in the Assembly. The coalition is also expected to receive additional support through three nominated members.
Opposition Restricted to Limited Gains
The opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam managed to win five seats, while the Indian National Congress secured only one seat.
Meanwhile, the newly emerging Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam opened its account in Puducherry politics with two Assembly seats.
Claim Sent for Presidential Approval
According to a communication issued from Raj Nivas, the Lieutenant Governor has forwarded Rangasamy’s claim and support documents to President Droupadi Murmu for formal approval before the government formation process proceeds further.
Sources indicated that the swearing-in ceremony is likely to take place on May 13, when Rangasamy is expected to officially assume office once again.
Rangasamy Set for Historic Fifth Term
Earlier this week, Rangasamy submitted his resignation as Chief Minister following the completion of the previous Assembly term before initiating the process to form the new government.
Known as one of Puducherry’s most influential political figures, Rangasamy is now poised to begin his fifth tenure as Chief Minister, strengthening his position as one of the longest-serving leaders in the Union Territory’s political history.
