The President of India has formally accepted the resignation of N. Rangasamy as the Chief Minister of Puducherry, according to an official statement released on Thursday. This development comes after Rangasamy submitted his resignation to the Lieutenant Governor following a loss of majority in the assembly.
Political Crisis in Puducherry
Rangasamy's resignation marks the culmination of a political crisis that had been brewing in the union territory for several weeks. The ruling coalition, led by the All India N.R. Congress (AINRC), faced a series of defections, leading to a trust vote that the government lost. The opposition, comprising the Congress and the DMK, had been demanding Rangasamy's resignation, citing loss of majority.
Governor's Role
The Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, Kiran Bedi, had earlier recommended the acceptance of Rangasamy's resignation to the President. The President's approval was necessary as Puducherry is a union territory with a legislative assembly. With the resignation accepted, the process of forming a new government is set to begin.
What Next?
Political parties in Puducherry are now gearing up for the formation of a new government. The Congress-DMK alliance, which claims to have the support of a majority of MLAs, is expected to stake claim to form the government. The AINRC, meanwhile, is exploring its options, including possible legal challenges. The union territory is likely to see a new chief minister in the coming days.
Reactions
Rangasamy, in his resignation speech, expressed gratitude to his supporters and said he accepted the decision of the MLAs who defected. He also hinted at a possible return to politics after a brief hiatus. Opposition leaders have welcomed the resignation, calling it a victory for democracy.
The political landscape in Puducherry remains fluid, with all eyes on the Lieutenant Governor's next move. The administration is expected to run smoothly under the current caretaker government until a new chief minister is sworn in.
