All India N R Congress founder and head of the National Democratic Alliance in Puducherry N. Rangasamy has staked claim to form the next government in the Union Territory.

Shortly after a meeting of alliance party leaders belonging to the AINRC, the Bharatiya Janata Party, the All India Anna Dravida Munera Kazhagam and the Latchiya Jananayaga Katchi on Friday morning, Mr. Rangasamy met Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan and submitted a letter staking claim to form the government. 

He also submitted a list of 18 legislators — AINRC 12, BJP 4, AIADMK 1 and LJK 1 — supporting NDA to the Lt. Governor. 

Earlier, at the NDA meeting, Mr. Rangasamy was elected leader of the alliance in the Assembly. Union Minister and BJP in-charge for the Union Territory Mansukh Mandaviya, BJP Legislative Party Leader A. Namassivayam, AIADMK secretary and MLA elect A. Anbalagan and LJK founder and MLA elect Jose Charles Martin were among those who attended the meeting.

Swearing-in ceremony

Sources said the swearing-in ceremony was likely to take place on May 13 morning. Talks were on between the leaders to decide on sharing Ministries among the allies. 

In the last Assembly, the Speaker’s post and two Ministries were given to the BJP. The AIRNC had kept the Deputy Speaker’s post and three Ministries when the first NDA government was formed after winning 2021 elections.