Puducherry's NDA, led by AINRC, secured another term in the 2026 Assembly polls, despite an unremarkable governance record and a reduced vote share. The first-past-the-post system and the new TVK, which fragmented votes, aided their win. The INDIA bloc lost ground. CM Rangasamy held his alliance. The author urges Rangasamy to prioritize better governance, addressing C&AG criticisms on spending. He should focus on balanced urban-rural development, infrastructure, public services, youth employment, sustainable housing, and environmental conservation, rather than Statehood. This would express gratitude to voters.