N. Rangasamy was sworn in as Puducherry Chief Minister for a record fifth term on Wednesday, as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) retained power in the Union Territory following the recent Assembly elections.
The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Lok Bhavan in Puducherry, where Lieutenant Governor K. Kailasanathan administered the oath of office and secrecy to Rangasamy and the newly inducted ministers.
Along with the Chief Minister, A. Namassivayam and Malladi Krishna Rao took oath as Cabinet ministers in the new NDA government.
The ceremony was attended by senior BJP leaders, alliance partners, elected representatives, and party workers, with tight security arrangements in place around the venue.
With the latest swearing-in, Rangasamy has become the first leader in Puducherry’s history to hold the office of Chief Minister five times, further cementing his position as one of the Union Territory’s most influential political figures.
The NDA alliance secured a comfortable majority in the recently concluded 30-member Puducherry Assembly elections. Rangasamy’s All India N.R. Congress emerged as the dominant force in the alliance with 12 seats, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won four seats. The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and Latchiya Jananayaga Katchi (LJK) secured one seat each.
The opposition saw the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) winning five seats and the Indian National Congress (INC) securing one seat, while Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) opened its account with two seats.
Addressing reporters after oath ceremony, Rangasamy thanked the people for their support and said his government would focus on welfare and development.
“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 said.
The Chief Minister also expressed his vision to transform Puducherry into a major development and tourism hub. “We are going to develop our Puducherry like Singapore,” he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Rangasamy on assuming office and praised his administrative experience.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Congratulations to Thiru N. Rangasamy Ji on taking oath as Puducherry’s Chief Minister. He has made a mark as an experienced and effective administrator who has strengthened Puducherry’s growth journey.”
The Prime Minister also extended his wishes to Namassivayam and Malladi Krishna Rao, expressing confidence that the new ministers would contribute to Puducherry’s progress and improve the “Ease of Living” for its people.
(With agency inputs)
