The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is on track to retain power in Puducherry following the 2026 legislative assembly elections, with results indicating a lead in 18 of the 30 constituencies—two above the majority threshold. The All India NR Congress (AINRC), led by Chief Minister N Rangasamy, has won 10 seats and is ahead in two others, reaffirming its role as the alliance’s cornerstone. The BJP secured four wins, while its smaller allies, the AIADMK and Latchiya Jananagaya Katchi (LJK), each claimed one seat. The election recorded an 89.87% voter turnout, the highest since Puducherry’s integration into the Indian Union in 1964, reflecting heightened political engagement in the Union territory.

This victory marks a historic milestone: no incumbent government in Puducherry has been re-elected since the Congress in 2006. Rangasamy, already the longest-serving chief minister in the territory’s history, is now poised to serve a fifth term overall and a second consecutive term at the helm of an NDA government. His personal success was underscored by victories in both Thattanchavady and Mangalam constituencies. The outcome not only consolidates his leadership but also strengthens the AINRC’s standing as a durable regional force capable of anchoring a multi-party alliance without being eclipsed by the BJP’s national dominance.

The re-election comes amid underlying tensions within the NDA camp. Disagreements surfaced ahead of the polls, particularly over the BJP’s decision to include the LJK—founded by Jose Charles Martin, son of controversial businessman Santiago Martin—in the alliance. Additionally, the central government’s continued refusal to grant statehood to Puducherry has been a persistent flashpoint. As a Union territory, Puducherry’s elected government operates under the oversight of a lieutenant governor appointed by the President, allowing for potential executive overreach. Rangasamy’s strengthened mandate now gives him greater leverage to revive and intensify the demand for full statehood, a move that could set the stage for renewed negotiations with the Centre.

Strategically, the result shields the AINRC from a scenario similar to Bihar’s recent political shift, where despite the BJP emerging as the largest party, JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar initially retained chief ministership before eventually ceding power. In Puducherry, Rangasamy’s clear electoral mandate and the AINRC’s position as the single largest party within the alliance minimize the risk of post-poll power struggles. Looking ahead, this outcome could influence how regional parties navigate alliances with national giants, demonstrating that strong local leadership and voter trust can preserve autonomy even within a dominant coalition framework. The coming term will test whether Rangasamy can translate electoral success into institutional gains, particularly on statehood and administrative autonomy.