Keezhur: the place where 170 representatives voted for Puducherry's merger with India and eight against

Background

Keezhur is where the historic referendum on Puducherry's merger with India was held.
In the referendum held on October 18, 1954, 170 representatives voted in favour of joining India, while eight voted against.
The Government of Puducherry records that the French possessions in India were de facto transferred to the Indian Union on November 1, 1954, after French rule over all its regions lasting 138 years.
Following the completion of legal procedures, the merger received legal recognition on August 16, 1962.
Puducherry observes De Jure Transfer Day to mark this integration; in 2026 Home Minister A. Namassivayam hoisted the national flag at Keezhur.