In Puducherry, the ruling N.R. Congress has retained the Indira Nagar Assembly constituency where by election was held on the 13th of this month. The ruling party candidate Thamizhselvan defeated his nearest rival A.K.D Armugham of Congress party by a margin of 8046 votes. The AIADMK candidate Mr Bhaskaran finished third. Five candidates including Mr Bhaskaran lost their deposit.AIR correspondent reports that the victory for the ruling party is significant as its strength in the 30 member assembly goes up to 15. The party has ensured a simple majority in the assembly as it is supported by an independent candidate.The by election was necessitated as the Indira Nagar seat was vacated by Chief Minister Mr. N.Rangaswamy who had contested in two constituencies and won both, in the Assembly elections held in April this year.