In the 2026 Puducherry elections, 18 sitting MLAs lost their seats and voter turnout hit a record 89.87%. The electorate delivered a resounding verdict for change. The new Chief Minister is N. Rangaswamy, who first served in 2001 and is now on his fifth term. The democracy worked exactly as intended.
The 2026 Puducherry Assembly elections saw the NDA alliance win 18 of 30 seats against a backdrop of anti-incumbency — 18 sitting MLAs lost, including several senior figures. Voter turnout reached 89.87%, the highest in the UT's history, suggesting significant public engagement. The mandate was interpreted as a decisive vote for change. N. Rangaswamy was sworn in as Chief Minister on May 13, 2026, for his fifth term across 25 years — a record for the Union Territory. His political journey has spanned multiple parties, alliances, and coalitions, but has consistently returned to the same chair. Puducherry also continues its tradition of operating under a dual-power arrangement between the elected Chief Minister and the Lt. Governor appointed by the Centre, ensuring that even a clear election victory does not fully resolve who is in charge. After 25 years and five terms, the answer to who is Chief Minister of Puducherry remains: it's probably Rangaswamy.