Five years on, Puducherry set to test ‘double engine’ model as NDA seeks second term
Puducherry, which saw its first-ever AINRC-BJP Government installed in 2021, gets its earliest opportunity to deliver a verdict on five years of the much-touted “double-engine” governance model when the Union Territory goes to the polls on April 9, 2026, to elect the 16th Legislative Assembly.
The All India N.R. Congress (AINRC), led by four-time Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, leads the headcount in the 15th Legislative Assembly with 10 MLAs, while its ally, the BJP, has six. The DMK, the principal Opposition, has six; the Congress, two; and Independents six.
In contrast, the NDA has been able to evolve a broad agreement among allies. Last week, the coalition announced a seat-sharing formula modelled on the 2021 pattern, with the AINRC contesting 16 seats and the BJP and other partners splitting the remaining 14 seats.
