Puducherry, March 17 (NationPress) A noticeable division has surfaced within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Puducherry as Chief Minister and leader of the All India N.R. Congress (AINRC), N. Rangasamy, reportedly chose to skip a significant alliance meeting organized by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday.

The AINRC, which played a pivotal role in securing victory for the NDA during the 2021 Assembly elections and currently governs the Union Territory, was anticipated to maintain its partnership with the BJP for the upcoming elections.

Initial talks between the two factions had already commenced in preparation for the election announcement. However, rising tensions seem to have emerged over crucial political and administrative matters.

Sources indicate that Rangasamy is advocating for full statehood for Puducherry and is demanding a solid commitment from the BJP regarding this issue. His frustration reportedly grew due to what he views as insufficient support from the Centre on this demand.

Previously, BJP's Puducherry in-charge, Nirmal Kumar Surana, mentioned that, similar to the 2021 elections, the AINRC would vie for 16 seats while the BJP and its affiliates would compete for the remaining 14 seats in the 30-member Assembly. He also hinted at the possibility of new parties joining the NDA, with seat-sharing arrangements for allies such as the AIADMK to be finalized at a later date.

In this context, the BJP had arranged for a new round of discussions on Tuesday morning, with Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya reportedly waiting at a private hotel in Puducherry to engage with Rangasamy.

However, the Chief Minister's absence at the meeting left BJP officials waiting for nearly two hours before they dispersed.

Insiders suggest that Mandaviya may head to New Delhi to brief Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the situation, emphasizing the seriousness of the developing rift.

Complicating matters further, reports indicate that Rangasamy is against the inclusion of the newly established Latchiya Jananayaka Katchi (LJK), founded by Joseph Charles Martin, into the NDA coalition.

Additionally, he appears to be displeased with the Centre's appointment of three MLAs without his prior consultation and is facing alleged pressure from the Lt Governor on administrative issues. With nomination submissions for the Assembly elections beginning on March 16 and polling set for April 9, the evident strain within the NDA could profoundly affect the electoral landscape in Puducherry.