In the lead-up to the April 9 elections, Puducherry's ruling coalition is experiencing significant tensions over the demand for full statehood. Chief Minister N Rangasamy's All India NR Congress (AINRC) is urging its National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partner, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), to provide a clear commitment on statehood, a long-standing aspiration since Puducherry became a Union Territory after French colonial rule. The AINRC argues that statehood would empower local governance by reducing dependence on the central government. The urgency of this demand has led to a rift, with reports suggesting Rangasamy may consider breaking away from the NDA to form a new alliance with the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor-politician Vijay. This potential shift could dramatically alter the political landscape in Puducherry, where the assembly's small size and narrow margins leave little room for error. Meanwhile, opposition parties are highlighting the irony that Rangasamy had previously allied with the BJP on the promise of securing statehood, which has yet to materialize. Despite these challenges, a recent survey indicates that the NDA still maintains a slight edge in the electoral race, suggesting that the statehood issue may be more about political leverage than a complete breakdown of the coalition.