N. Rangasamy, leader of the All India N.R. Congress (AINRC), took the oath of office as Chief Minister of Puducherry on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 [1].
The swearing-in marks a historic milestone in the Union Territory's political landscape, as Rangasamy returns to lead the government for a fifth term [2].
Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan administered the oath during the ceremony [3]. The return to power follows a victory for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which secured a majority in the Puducherry Legislative Assembly [4].
In the recent elections, the NDA coalition won 18 seats in the 30-member assembly [5]. The AINRC, led by Rangasamy, won 12 seats after contesting 16 positions [5]. This performance provided the necessary foundation for the AINRC-BJP coalition to form the government [4].
At 75 years old, Rangasamy's fifth appointment as Chief Minister underscores his enduring influence within the region [6]. The transition of power ensures the continuation of the NDA's administrative control over the territory, maintaining a strategic alignment with the central government's goals [4].
The ceremony took place in Puducherry, where the new administration is expected to begin implementing its legislative agenda for the term [3].
“N. Rangasamy took the oath of office as Chief Minister of Puducherry for a fifth term.”
Rangasamy's fifth term as Chief Minister solidifies the AINRC's position as a dominant local force and reinforces the National Democratic Alliance's grip on the Union Territory. By securing a clear majority of 18 out of 30 seats, the coalition reduces the likelihood of legislative deadlock, ensuring a stable governance structure that aligns closely with the BJP's national interests.
