AINRC and BJP Reach Seat-Sharing Agreement for Puducherry Elections

The All India N.R. Congress (AINRC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) confirmed their seat-sharing agreement ahead of the Puducherry Assembly elections scheduled for April 9, 2026. This arrangement was formalised on March 20, 2026. According to the pact, the AINRC, which is led by Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, will contest 16 of the 30 Assembly constituencies in the Union Territory. The BJP is set to stand in 10 constituencies, while two smaller parties, the Latchiya Jananayaga Katchi (LJK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), will contest two seats each.

Following the announcement, Chief Minister N. Rangasamy filed his nomination papers for the Thattanchavady and Mangalam constituencies. He met with Mansukh Mandaviya, the Union Minister responsible for Puducherry and a key figure in the BJP, to discuss the alliance's strategy moving forward. Subsequently, Rangasamy addressed the media, reassuring the public of the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) unity. "We remain in the NDA with no changes. We will contest elections together," he stated.

During this press interaction, Rangasamy also referenced significant infrastructure projects involving investments worth ₹3,000 crore, which were announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Puducherry. These initiatives are part of the NDA's agenda to promote welfare and development within the territory.

Additionally, Rangasamy indicated that a new political party had joined the NDA following discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, further consolidating the alliance in Puducherry. The specific allocation of constituencies will be announced shortly as final arrangements continue.

Mansukh Mandaviya, while announcing the seat-sharing decision, confirmed that Rangasamy would lead the NDA's campaign in Puducherry, expressing confidence that the coalition would secure a majority in the upcoming elections. He also noted that the AINRC has prioritised the demand for statehood for Puducherry, which is expected to be included in the party’s election manifesto. Modi and Shah are expected to campaign in Puducherry as elections approach, adding momentum to the NDA's efforts in the region.

As the ruling coalition moves forward, opposition parties, including the Congress and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), are still negotiating their seat-sharing arrangements. Recent dialogues suggest that Congress's proposals have faced resistance, indicating a complex political landscape in the lead-up to the elections. The Congress party has expressed reluctance to compromise on its leadership position within the alliance, asserting its intent to lead any coalition government if victorious.

With the deadline for filing nominations set for March 23, political activity is intensifying in Puducherry as parties prepare for the electoral contest. The outcome of these elections will play a significant role in shaping the future political dynamics of the Union Territory.