Rangasamy sworn in again as Puducherry CM, marks fifth term

Puducherry: All India N R Congress (AINRC) leader N Rangasamy was sworn in on Wednesday as the Chief Minister of Puducherry.

The oath of office and secrecy was administered by Lieutenant Governor Kailashnathan in the presence of BJP National President Nitin Nabin.

Along with the Chief Minister, A Namassivayam also took oath as a Cabinet Minister in the Puducherry government.

The swearing-in ceremony followed the announcement of results from the Puducherry Assembly elections held on May 4.

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) retained power in the Union Territory. The All India N R Congress (AINRC) won 12 seats, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured four seats in the 30-member Assembly. The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) won one seat. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) secured five seats, and the Indian National Congress won one seat. The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which made its debut in Tamil Nadu, also opened its account by winning two seats.

Speaking to reporters after taking oath, Chief Minister N Rangasamy thanked the electorate and outlined the priorities of the new NDA government.

He said, “It is our government’s duty to implement all necessary schemes for the welfare of the people even more effectively. We will certainly fulfil this responsibility with excellence.”

He also said, “We are going to develop our Puducherry like Singapore, maybe.”

Ministers outline plans for development

BJP leader A Namassivayam, who also took oath as a Cabinet Minister, said the government would continue existing welfare schemes while introducing new initiatives.

“We are in the service of the people. All the schemes will continue, and we are also introducing new schemes. We will develop Puducherry very well. If more ministers will take the oath in the coming days will be discussed with our leaders,” he said.

Fourth-term minister thanks government support

AINRC leader Malladi Krishna Rao, who is expected to be inducted into the Cabinet, said he was taking charge for the fourth time.

“The portfolios will be given this week or next week. The government of India supports us in so many schemes. Automatically, it improves the facilities and tourism. Whether more MLAs will take the oath or not is a CM subject. I’m very, very happy,” he told.

The government formation comes after the NDA secured a majority in the latest Assembly polls, allowing it to continue in power in Puducherry.

Agency inputs