AINRC and BJP-AIADMK Alliance Finalize Seats for Puducherry Polls

The ruling AINRC and BJP-AIADMK coalition have sealed a deal for the upcoming Assembly elections in the union territory of Puducherry. Under the agreement, AINRC is set to contest 16 seats, while the BJP will vie for 14 seats.

In a meeting between Puducherry Chief Minister and AINRC leader N Rangasamy and BJP leader and Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, held at a private hotel, details were thrashed out, resulting in BJP's allocation of two seats each for AIADMK and Lakshia Jananayaga Katchi (LJK) out of its share of 14 seats.

Though initially reluctant, Rangasamy consented to include the LJK after negotiations with the central minister. The single-phase voting for 30 seats is scheduled for April 9, with the political dynamics potentially influencing the outcome amid previous election results.