N. Rangasamy was sworn in as Chief Minister of Puducherry on Wednesday for a record fifth time after the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured a majority in the 30-member Assembly, officials said.
Oath taken at Lok Bhavan
The swearing-in ceremony took place at Lok Bhavan, Puducherry, where Lieutenant Governor K. Kailasanathan administered the oath of office and secrecy to Rangasamy and two newly inducted ministers, according to the official account of the event. Alongside the Chief Minister, A. Namassivayam and Malladi Krishna Rao were sworn in as Cabinet ministers.
The ceremony was attended by senior leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alliance partners, elected representatives and party workers. Security was reported to have been tightened around the venue.
Election arithmetic and composition of the house
The NDA retained power after the Assembly election. Rangasamy’s party, the All India N.R. Congress (AINRC), emerged as the largest partner within the alliance, securing 12 seats in the 30-member Assembly. The BJP won 4 seats, while allies All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and Latchiya Jananayaga Katchi (LJK) won 1 seat each.
| Party | Seats won |
|---|---|
| All India N.R. Congress (AINRC) | 12 |
| Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) | 4 |
| AIADMK | 1 |
| Latchiya Jananayaga Katchi (LJK) | 1 |
| Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) | 5 |
| Indian National Congress (INC) | 1 |
| Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) | 2 |
Rangasamy outlines priorities
Addressing reporters after the ceremony, Rangasamy thanked the electorate for their support and said his administration would place emphasis on welfare and development measures. He articulated an ambition to enhance Puducherry’s profile as a development and tourism hub.
“It is our government’s duty to implement all necessary schemes for the welfare of the people even more effectively. We will certainly fulfill this responsibility with excellence,”
He further stated the intention to "develop our Puducherry like Singapore," emphasising a drive for infrastructural and economic uplift, according to the official report of his remarks.
National response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Rangasamy on assuming office and commended his administrative experience. The Prime Minister conveyed his message in a post on X, referring to Rangasamy’s experience in governance, as reported.
Implications for governance
The formation of the NDA government in Puducherry consolidates an arrangement where the AINRC is the dominant partner within the alliance. With Rangasamy now commencing his fifth term, administrative continuity is likely in the policies pursued by the new council of ministers, especially in areas Rangasamy highlighted: welfare schemes, development projects and tourism promotion.
- Record fifth term: Rangasamy is the first leader in the Union Territory’s history to be sworn in as Chief Minister five times.
- Cabinet composition: Two ministers—A. Namassivayam and Malladi Krishna Rao—were inducted alongside the Chief Minister at the swearing-in.
- Opposition strength: The DMK holds five seats, the Congress one and TVK two, positioning the NDA with a comfortable majority in the 30-seat Assembly.
What to expect next
With the new government in place, attention will shift to the allocation of portfolios, the announcement of a legislative agenda and timelines for key schemes and announcements that the Chief Minister has outlined. Administrative decisions on urban development, tourism promotion and welfare initiatives are likely to be among the early priorities given Rangasamy’s stated objectives.
Further developments will include formalisation of the full ministry, clarification of coalition roles and the government’s immediate action plan, which the Chief Minister indicated would focus on implementing welfare schemes effectively and pursuing development projects to bolster Puducherry’s economic and tourism prospects.
