N Rangasamy sworn in as Puducherry CM for record 5th term
Synopsis
N. Rangasamy has been sworn in as Puducherry's Chief Minister for a record fifth time, extending a political career that began in 2001. The AINRC-led NDA's 18-seat majority in the 30-member Assembly gives the new government a stable mandate — and Rangasamy another shot at cementing his legacy as the union territory's most enduring leader.
Key Takeaways
Rangasamy was sworn in as Puducherry CM for a record fifth time on Wednesday, 14 May 2025 .
The AINRC -led NDA secured 18 seats in the 30-member Assembly — two more than the majority mark.
Rangasamy, 76 , won from both Thattanchavady and Mangalam constituencies.
President Droupadi Murmu formally named him CM; Lt Governor Kailashnathan invited him to form the government.
His previous terms span 2001–2006 , 2006–2008 , 2011–2016 , and 2021–2026 .
Additional cabinet ministers are expected to be sworn in shortly.
N. Rangasamy was sworn in as Chief Minister of Puducherry on Wednesday, 14 May 2025, beginning a record fifth term in office after the All India NR Congress (AINRC)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured a comfortable majority in the union territory's 30-member Assembly. The swearing-in marks a new chapter in one of Indian regional politics' most enduring careers.
Rangasamy's Statement After Taking Oath
Speaking after the ceremony, Rangasamy said, "It gives me immense joy to have assumed office as the Chief Minister of Puducherry for the fifth time. We will work for the sake of the people and for the development of the state." He added that his government would "implement every measure, whether it involves expediting specific tasks or introducing new schemes, that contribute to the state's growth." He noted that other ministers would take their oaths of office shortly.
How the Government Was Formed
President Droupadi Murmu formally named Rangasamy as Chief Minister, following which Lieutenant Governor Kailashnathan invited him to form the new government. Before the swearing-in, Rangasamy had met the Lieutenant Governor and staked his claim, submitting letters of support from elected MLAs. The AINRC-led NDA secured the backing of 18 MLAs in the 30-member House — two more than the majority mark of 16.
A Political Career Spanning Over Two Decades
The 76-year-old leader's political journey is without parallel in Puducherry's history. He first served as Chief Minister from 2001 to 2006 and again from 2006 to 2008 as a Congress leader. After founding the All India NR Congress, he returned to power from 2011 to 2016, and subsequently led an AINRC-BJP alliance government from 2021 to 2026. His fifth term now extends that record further.
Election Results and Constituency Wins
In the recently concluded Assembly elections, Rangasamy secured victory from both the Thattanchavady and Mangalam constituencies, reinforcing his grassroots political standing across the union territory. The dual-constituency win underlines the personal mandate he commands independent of alliance arithmetic.
What Comes Next
Additional ministers are expected to be sworn in shortly, completing the formation of the new cabinet. The incoming administration is expected to prioritise development initiatives, welfare schemes, and administrative continuity — themes Rangasamy stressed in his post-oath remarks. Notably, this is the second successive term for the AINRC-NDA combine in Puducherry, suggesting a consolidation of the alliance's hold on the union territory's electorate.
Point of View
Meaning Rangasamy will need to deliver on welfare and development promises to hold the coalition together. His dual-constituency win signals personal popularity, but Puducherry's electorate has historically been transactional. The real test of this term will be whether the administration can move beyond continuity rhetoric and produce measurable outcomes on employment, infrastructure, and fiscal management in a union territory with limited revenue autonomy.
NationPress
5 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times has N. Rangasamy been Chief Minister of Puducherry?
N. Rangasamy has been sworn in as Chief Minister of Puducherry for a record fifth time. His previous terms were 2001–2006, 2006–2008, 2011–2016, and 2021–2026.
Which party won the 2025 Puducherry Assembly elections?
The AINRC-led NDA alliance won the 2025 Puducherry Assembly elections, securing 18 seats in the 30-member House — two more than the majority mark of 16.
Who invited Rangasamy to form the Puducherry government?
Lieutenant Governor Kailashnathan invited Rangasamy to form the government after President Droupadi Murmu formally named him Chief Minister, following submission of letters of support from elected MLAs.
From which constituencies did Rangasamy win in the 2025 elections?
Rangasamy secured victory from both the Thattanchavady and Mangalam constituencies in the recently concluded Puducherry Assembly elections.
What are Rangasamy's priorities for his fifth term as Puducherry CM?
Rangasamy has stated his government will focus on development, welfare schemes, and administrative continuity. He said his administration would implement measures to expedite specific tasks and introduce new schemes contributing to the union territory's growth.
