Jose Charles Martin, founder of the Latchiya Jananayaga Katchi (LJK) Party, announced on May 9 that the party has submitted a letter to the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry supporting NR Congress chief N Rangaswamy for the position of Chief Minister.

The All India NR Congress (AINRC) won 12 seats in the recent assembly elections, while the NDA ally LJK secured one seat. The support from LJK paves the way for Rangaswamy to assume the Chief Ministerial post again. Martin stated that the swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for May 13.

Speaking to ANI, Martin said, “In Puducherry, everything is very clear. We have signed and submitted a letter to the Governor, with N. Rangaswamy as the CM. We are all very clear. The swearing-in ceremony will be on May 13. So, the process is taking place.”

Martin also expressed confidence that Vijay-led Tamil Nadu party TVK would form the state government, stating, “It is all set, that is the news I have been hearing. They have the clean majority now. I think they will be forming the government. I wish them all the best, and I request them to give good governance.”

On the evening of May 9, N Rangaswamy met Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Kuniyil Kailashnathan and staked a claim to form the government following the assembly polls. Rangaswamy, the longest-serving Chief Minister of Puducherry, submitted a letter of support from legislative assembly members demanding the right to form the government. This letter has been sent for the President’s approval.

Earlier the same day, Rangaswamy was re-elected as leader of the Nationalist Democratic Alliance (NDA) legislature party in Puducherry. In the same meeting, Puducherry Home Minister A Namassivayam was elected deputy leader of the NDA legislature party.