Lok Sabha Poll Defeat Triggers Crisis in Puducherry Government

The All India NR Congress (AINRC)-led coalition government in Puducherry, which includes the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is facing a significant crisis. This turmoil has been brewing for some time and has now reached a critical point.

Historical Context

Puducherry, a Union Territory in India, has a unique political landscape. The AINRC, led by Chief Minister N Rangasamy, has been in power since the 2021 Assembly elections, in coalition with the BJP. The BJP had previously played a crucial role in toppling the Congress government in Puducherry just two months before the 2021 elections by attracting key Congress leaders, including A Namasivayam, who was promised the Chief Minister’s position but was later made the Home Minister.

Current Crisis

A delegation of seven legislators, including three BJP MLAs, a nominated BJP legislator, and three Independents, has traveled to New Delhi to demand immediate changes in the Union Territory’s government. They met with BJP national president J P Nadda, urging a Cabinet reshuffle and raising concerns about corruption and misgovernance.

The immediate trigger for these demands was the recent defeat of Puducherry Home Minister A Namasivayam in the Lok Sabha elections. Namasivayam, who was fielded by the BJP, lost to Congress candidate V Vaithilingam by over 1.36 lakh votes. The legislators attribute this loss to poor administration and ineffective leadership by the three-year-old government led by Rangasamy.

Potential Consequences

The AINRC leaders are closely monitoring the situation. If the three BJP MLAs and the Independent MLAs decide to withdraw their support, the government could be in jeopardy, potentially leading to the collapse of the coalition.

Chief Minister Rangasamy has stated that he cannot intervene in the situation and that it is up to the BJP to resolve the issues. He dismissed the allegations of poor governance, claiming that the government is functioning properly.

Key Demands and Issues

The BJP MLAs in Delhi have made several demands, including the removal of Namasivayam as a minister and the BJP’s withdrawal from the government to avoid being “tainted” by its association with the AINRC. They are concerned about their performance in the 2026 Assembly elections.

The MLAs have also raised issues of rampant corruption in the AINRC-BJP government and the administration’s failure to address key local issues, such as the proliferation of resto-bars near schools and religious institutions and bribery in recruitment processes.

Political Dynamics

In Puducherry’s 30-member Assembly, the AINRC has 10 seats, and the BJP has six, giving them a slim majority. The coalition is supported by six Independents and three nominated legislators. The Opposition, comprising the DMK and Congress, has a combined strength of eight MLAs.

The BJP’s internal issues have also come to the fore, with many leaders blaming the party leadership for mishandling the situation. Puducherry BJP chief S Selvaganapathy has been specifically criticized for not consulting senior local leaders and making uninformed decisions.

Summary

• Crisis in Puducherry Government: The AINRC-BJP coalition faces a significant crisis.
• Historical Context: The BJP previously toppled the Congress government in Puducherry before the 2021 elections.
• Trigger: The recent defeat of Home Minister A Namasivayam in the Lok Sabha elections.
• Demands: Removal of Namasivayam, BJP’s withdrawal from the government, addressing corruption and local issues.
• Potential Consequences: The government could collapse if BJP and Independent MLAs withdraw support.
• Political Dynamics: AINRC and BJP hold a slim majority in the 30-member Assembly.
• Internal BJP Issues: Criticism of Puducherry BJP chief S Selvaganapathy for mishandling the situation.