Ruling NDA retains power, to form next govt in Pondy

In line with the exit poll predictions, the ruling AIN-RC-led NDA, also comprising BJP and the AIADMK, on Monday a simple majority retained power and is all set to form the next government in the union Territory of Puducherry, pushing the Opposition Congress-DMK led INDIA bloc to the second spot, as counting of votes polled in the April 9 elections to the 30-member Puducherry Territorial Assembly progressed peacefully.

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Of the total 30 seats, a party/or a front headed by it has to secure a simple majority by winning a minimum of 16 seats to form the government According to the latest data available for all the 30 seats, the NDA won in 12 seats and leading in five more seats (total 17), followed by Congress-led INDIA bloc 2 and leading in four (total six) and the alliance l