Puducherry: The National Democratic Alliance government in Puducherry, led by the NR Congress, is facing a serious rift ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, with Chief Minister N. Rangasamy threatening to withdraw his party from the coalition over the induction of the Lakshya Jananayaka Katchi (LJK). The alliance, which has functioned smoothly over the past five years, was expected to remain united and contest the 2026 elections together.
Speaking earlier regarding the alliance, Nirmal Kumar Surana—the BJP’s central in-charge for the region—had stated that the alliance between the NR Congress and the BJP remained firm. He announced that out of the total 30 constituencies, the NR Congress would contest in 16 seats, while the remaining 14 seats would be contested by the BJP and other alliance partners. At that time, he had also noted that the Lakshya Jananayaka Katchi had been newly inducted into the National Democratic Alliance, adding that Chief Minister Rangasamy did not express any objection to the inclusion of this party in the coalition. This development sent shockwaves through the NR Congress party.
NR Congress objects to LJK inclusion
Previously, the NR Congress had explicitly stated that the Lakshya Jananayaka Katchi should not be included in the coalition, warning that if it were, the NR Congress would withdraw from the alliance. This stance was reiterated emphatically on Monday night during talks held with Mansukh Mandaviya—the BJP’s central in-charge and a Union Minister—by a five-member delegation dispatched by Chief Minister Rangasamy and led by Puducherry Minister for Public Works, K. Lakshminarayanan.
BJP’s response
However, the central leadership representatives refused to accept the NR Congress’s demands, stating that since Home Minister Amit Shah himself had directly inducted the Lakshya Jananayaka Katchi into the alliance, they were unable to make a decision regarding this matter.
Rangasamy’s announcement
Consequently, Chief Minister Rangasamy has announced that the NR Congress has decided to discuss this issue with Amit Shah. He stated that should an agreement fail to be reached during these negotiations, the party is prepared to contest the elections independently.
Current situation
Meanwhile, it is reported that the BJP is engaged in efforts to retain the NR Congress party within the alliance by holding negotiations with Chief Minister Rangasamy. However, it is further stated that the BJP will wait for the NR Congress’s decision until this afternoon.