The NDA retained power in Puducherry as veteran leader N. Rangasamy took oath for a record fifth time and pledged faster development and welfare-focused governance
Puducherry: Veteran leader N. Rangasamy on Wednesday etched his name deeper into Puducherry’s political history after taking oath as Chief Minister for an unprecedented fifth term, leading the NDA government back to power in the Union Territory.
The swearing-in ceremony was held at Lok Bhavan, where Lieutenant Governor K. Kailasanathan administered the oath of office and secrecy to Rangasamy and members of his new Cabinet. Alongside him, A. Namassivayam and Malladi Krishna Rao were sworn in as ministers.
With this latest victory, Rangasamy became the first politician in Puducherry to serve five terms as Chief Minister, reinforcing his stature as one of the Union Territory’s most enduring political figures.
The NDA secured a comfortable majority in the 30-member Assembly, with Rangasamy’s All India N.R. Congress winning 12 seats. The BJP secured four seats, while the AIADMK and LJK won one seat each. In the opposition camp, the DMK bagged five seats, the Congress won one, and TVK entered the Assembly with two seats.
Soon after taking oath, Rangasamy thanked voters for their support and promised stronger governance. “We will implement welfare schemes more effectively and fulfill our responsibilities with excellence,” he said, while also unveiling his ambition to develop Puducherry “like Singapore.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Rangasamy, describing him as an “experienced and effective administrator” who has contributed significantly to Puducherry’s growth journey.
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