N. Rangasamy

Natesan Krishnasamy Gounder Rangaswamy, 75, is a veteran politician currently serving his third stint as Chief Minister of Puducherry since May 2021. Born on August 4, 1950, he is a law graduate from Dr. Ambedkar Government Law College and has been in active politics for over three decades. Rangaswamy began his political career with the Indian National Congress in 1991, serving as MLA from Thattanchavady for four consecutive terms and as a cabinet minister from 1991 to 2001, before becoming Chief Minister for the first time in 2001. His political journey took a significant turn in February 2011 when he broke away from the Congress due to internal differences and founded the All India N.R. Congress (AINRC), which he continues to lead as founding president. Under his leadership, AINRC joined the National Democratic Alliance in 2014 and became the ruling party in Puducherry after the 2021 elections, winning 10 seats in alliance with the BJP. His governance has been marked by welfare initiatives including monthly allowances for women, student scholarships, and infrastructure development, with the 2024-25 budget allocating ₹12,700 crore for development projects. However, Rangaswamy's tenure has not been without challenges. His relationship with alliance partners has seen tensions, particularly over unfulfilled promises like full statehood for Puducherry, requiring intervention from Union Home Minister Amit Shah to maintain the NDA alliance. He has also faced criticism for political maneuvering and has been exploring ties with other regional parties like Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. Despite these controversies, he remains a dominant political figure in Puducherry, currently contesting from both Mangalam and Thattanchavady constituencies in the 2026 Assembly elections. Voters should know that Rangaswamy brings extensive governance experience and has delivered on several welfare promises, but his leadership style and alliance management have drawn criticism. His ability to balance regional aspirations with national alliance politics will be crucial for Puducherry's future development.