It is a victory for NDA govt’s 5-year achievements, Puducherry CM Rangasamy says after retaining power

PUDUCHERRY: Incumbent chief minister N Rangasamy attributed the victory of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by his party All India NR Congress (AINRC) in the assembly polls to the achievements of the AINRC-BJP coalition govt in the last five years.Speaking to reporters after collecting his certificate of election from a counting official, Rangasamy said the people have recognised the govt’s achievements and have elected the NDA again for the second consecutive term. He hailed the outcome as a direct mandate from the people validating his administration’s performance over the last five years."People have recognised our achievements through this election. They have voted with gratitude to ensure we continue our work," Rangasamy said. He expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah for their support during the campaign.He reaffirmed his commitment to seeking statehood for Puducherry, expressing confidence that the Union govt would grant this status. He said he would call on the lieutenant governor to stake a claim to form the govt. Commenting on the opposition, he noted that Puducherry Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president V Vaithilingam was pushed to fourth place in the Thattanchavady constituency. He said the voters have taught a lesson to the politicians they felt were not suitable for the assembly.He assured the public that the new govt would prioritise the continued implementation of welfare programs for the benefit of all citizens. He also congratulated actor-turned-politician Vijay on his electoral success in Tamil Nadu and urged him to serve the people of the state diligently.Meanwhile, home minister A Namassivayam (BJP) was elected as the legislative party leader of BJP. Fourteen MLAs of different parties lost the polls, while 14 new faces were elected. No woman candidate was elected in the polls.