Swearing in of new Pondy govt. likely on Oct. 26

By S. Nadarajan

PONDICHERRY, OCT. 22. With the Pondicherry Administration still waiting for a communication for installation of the new ministry from the President through the Union Home Ministry, no definite date could be set for the swearing in of the Rangasamy government. Still there is an expectation that it would take place on Vijayadasami Day (October 26).

Leaders of the Congress and the PMC, together with two Independents, presented letters to the Lt. Governor in the presence of the AICC delegate, Mr. Ramesh Chennithala, on Friday last staking claim for forming the Ministry. All communications have since been despatched to the Centre. An official had also been sent to Delhi to personally apprise the higher ups of the developments. Although the Congress and its allies have a strength of 17 with the unconditional support from the four- member PMC and the two Independents, there was a move to associate the AIADMK and the TMC, which were part of the previous coalition.

But the local committees of these parties do not have any power to decide on the matter. Hence a word of approval should come from the headquarters of these parties in Chennai whether to join the Congress-led ministry to maintain status quo or not.

The local functionaries of the AIADMK were apparently irked at the virtual neglect during the process of associating like-minded parties in deciding the incumbent after Mr. Shanmugham opted out making way for the finalisation of the new CLP leader.

The Congress formed a ministry in May last with the support of the AIADMK which has three members. In fact, one of the functionaries wanted to have a press meeting today but cancelled it on advice from a senior member in the party.

No Minister of the outgoing cabinet comes to office and an official said that with neither the previous ministers could be contacted nor was there any news yet of the swearing in of the new set up. Files were beginning to file up.

It could not be known however whether only the Chief Minister would be installed in office or the entire team would take charge. So far no list of ministers' names has been finalised. Once it is done, the Lt. Governor should be informed and the list would in turn have to be sent to the Union Home Ministry for approval.

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Section  : Southern States
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