Puducherry Assembly Elections: AINRC and BJP Finalize Seat-Sharing Pact
Chennai: The seat-sharing agreement between the All India N R Congress (AINRC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the upcoming Puducherry assembly elections has been almost finalized, according to sources within both political parties. This development marks a significant step forward in the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) preparations for the crucial 2026 polls in the union territory.
Seat Distribution Details Emerge
Under the nearly finalized arrangement, the AINRC is set to retain 16 seats, which corresponds to the exact number of constituencies it contested during the 2021 assembly elections. Meanwhile, the BJP will contest in 10 seats, representing an increase of one seat compared to its participation in the previous electoral battle. This allocation follows extensive discussions between the leadership of both parties, with negotiations progressing smoothly toward a consensus.
A senior AINRC leader revealed that their party chief had communicated to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday that the AINRC was keen to contest 16 of Puducherry's 30 assembly seats in the 2026 elections. While Shah agreed to this request, he simultaneously pushed for a greater number of seats for the BJP, highlighting the delicate balance of power within the alliance.
AIADMK Faces Reduced Share to Accommodate New Ally
However, the emerging electoral arithmetic has significantly narrowed the political space for another NDA ally, the AIADMK. The party, which contested five seats as part of the NDA in 2021 but failed to secure any victories, is now likely to see its share reduced. This adjustment is primarily to accommodate the Latchiya Jananayaga Katchi (LJK), a new entrant to the NDA fold launched by Jose Charles Martin, son of lottery baron Santiago Martin.
A senior BJP leader from the Puducherry unit confirmed that since Jose Charles, who recently joined the NDA, has been actively seeking one or two seats for his party, the AIADMK's allocation would consequently be diminished. The AIADMK's prospects have been further weakened by the exit of several local leaders, compounding the challenges it faces in the upcoming elections.
Historical Context and Electoral Performance
The AIADMK's electoral journey in Puducherry has been marked by struggles. In the 2016 assembly elections, the party contested all 30 seats independently but failed to win any. Its performance did not improve in 2021, when it contested five seats as part of the NDA alliance, again drawing a blank. This track record has inevitably influenced the current seat-sharing negotiations, with allies prioritizing winnability and strategic expansion.
The BJP leader emphasized that discussions between the BJP and AINRC leadership have been productive, leading to the near-finalization of the seat-sharing agreement. This coordination is crucial for the NDA as it aims to present a united front and maximize its chances in the fiercely contested Puducherry assembly elections.
As the political landscape evolves, the final seat allocation for AIADMK and the integration of LJK into the alliance framework remain key unresolved questions. The outcomes of these negotiations will significantly shape the NDA's campaign strategy and its ability to challenge incumbent forces in Puducherry.
