Puducherry: : A fragmented opposition, the charisma of All India NR Congress (AINRC) founder and Chief Minister N Rangasamy and freebies from his government ensured the NDA retained office in Puducherry. The opposition parties failed to present a united front against the AINRC-BJPIADMK-LJK alliance. Congress fielded candidates in five constituencies allotted to DMK, causing confusion among office-bearers, workers and voters.

The NDA won 18 seats (AINRC-12, BJP-4, AIADMK-1, LJK-1), crossing the majority mark of 16 seats in the 30-member House. India Bloc won six (DMK-5, Congress-1), while independents won three seats. Rangasamy, who contested and won both the seats, is set to become CM for a record fifth time.Read this also Puducherry Election Results 2026: Complete list of winners and losers Political commentator K Murugan said, “The victory is due to Rangasamy’s ‘Makkal Mudalavar’ (people’s Chief Minister) appeal. He is easily accessible and has an image of a down-to-earth person. His victory in Thattanchavady with an increased margin of 4,441 votes underlines his personal popularity.”

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Welfare schemes and freebies – monthly assistance of Rs 2,500 to women heads, free grains and increased deposits under the Girl Child Protection Scheme – also contributed. Internal divisions within the Indian faction, a directionless campaign and seat-sharing confusion blunted the anti-incumbency wave; Now the focus is on cabinet formation, BJP may look for the post of Deputy CM.