The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) defeated the Congress to come to power in the Puducherry Assembly Elections. The NDA alliance, which comprises All India NR Congress, BJP and AIADMK, won 16 seats out of 30 to form the government in the southern state. According to the figures released by the Election Commission of India, the NDA alliance won a total of 16 seats, with 6 seats going to the BJP and 10 going to AINRC.
A Namassivayam of BJP emerged victorious from Mannadipet constituency after defeating his DMK rival A Krishnan. Namassivayam, who moved from Congress to join the BJP in January this year, contested from Mannadipet seat. BJP nominee A John Kumar, who quit Congress to join BJP in February, defeated his Congress rival and former Industries Minister MOHF Shah Jahan.
The AINRC founder and two time CM N Rangaswamy had to swallow a bitter pill when he lost the Yanam seat to GS Ashok, a novice who was backed by Congress. Rangawamy, who contested from two seats, however, won Thattanchavady. Although NDA is yet to announce the chief ministerial candidate, Rangaswamy is said to be a favorite for the post.
