Coalition Dharma in Action: AIADMK accepts reduced seats, seeks role in power

The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam , a key constituent of the National Democratic Alliance, on Saturday announced that it will contest from two constituencies in the upcoming Puducherry Assembly elections, citing commitment to “coalition dharma.”

Addressing reporters, Puducherry unit secretary A Anbazhagan said the party would field candidates from Uppalam and Orleanpet , expressing confidence that the NDA would retain power in the Union Territory.

“During the 2021 Assembly polls, we contested five seats but lost all. This time, we are contesting only two seats due to various circumstances. Respecting coalition dharma, we have accepted this arrangement,” he said. Anbazhagan added that the decision was finalised after consultations held on March 20 and Saturday, with approval from party chief Edappadi K Palaniswami. He emphasised that the party expects a role in governance if the alliance secures victory.

“Are we in politics to do charity? A natural progression for an MLA is to become a minister,” he remarked, indicating that the AIADMK would seek a share in power in the event of an NDA win. The seat-sharing arrangement within the NDA in Puducherry was finalised following talks between Chief Minister N Rangasamy of the All India N.R. Congress and Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya .

Under the agreement, the AINRC will contest the largest share with 16 seats , while the Bharatiya Janata Party will contest 14 seats . From its quota, the BJP has allocated two seats each to the AIADMK and the Lakshia Jananayaga Katchi.

This distribution underscores the dominant role of the AINRC within the coalition, followed by the BJP, while smaller allies like the AIADMK and LJK have been accommodated with limited seats.

Meanwhile, the BJP has already released its first list of candidates for the April 9 polls, renominating Home Minister A Namassivayam from the Mannadipet constituency. With the alliance structure now in place, NDA partners have begun mobilising efforts, projecting unity and confidence ahead of the crucial Assembly elections in Puducherry.