Puducherry, May 6 (). Puducherry Chief Minister-designate N Rangasamy on Wednesday expressed confidence that the Union Territory will soon achieve full statehood. He said that the NDA government is continuously putting pressure on the Center regarding the long pending demand.
Rangasamy is preparing to assume office for a record fifth time after the NDA’s victory in the Puducherry Assembly elections.
He visited Salem in Tamil Nadu and visited the famous Appa Paithiyam Swamy Temple at Suramangalam, where he offered prayers and participated in special pujas.
Speaking to reporters after visiting the temple, Rangasamy also congratulated TVK chief Vijay for becoming the largest party by winning 108 seats in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. “I congratulate Vijay. I wish him success in his work and implementing many welfare schemes for the public,” he said.
The remarks by Puducherry Chief Minister-designate come at a time when TVK is trying to garner support from other parties to form the government in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly.
Congress and several smaller parties have already indicated their support to the Vijay-led alliance, while political deliberations are ongoing in Chennai.
Responding to the long-standing demand for granting statehood to Puducherry, Rangasamy said the issue remains a priority for his government. He said that we are continuously requesting the Central Government. Will get statehood soon. As part of NDA, we are continuously putting pressure on this.
On the formation of the new Puducherry cabinet, Rangasamy said details of the appointment of ministers and allocation of portfolios would be clear after the swearing-in and the new government formally assumes office.
When asked about Tamil Nadu Congress leaders supporting TVK, Rangasamy said such political developments are normal when support is needed to form a stable government.
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AMT/DKP