Puducherry CM Rangasamy Renews Statehood Push, Says UT Status Slows Governance

Chief Minister N Rangasamy on Thursday reiterated his demand for full statehood for Puducherry, saying its existing Union Territory status has become a major administrative hurdle and is delaying the implementation of government schemes.

Rangasamy made the remarks in the territorial Assembly while replying to the debate on the motion of thanks to Lieutenant Governor K Kailashnathan's customary address delivered on August 24.

The Chief Minister said the statehood issue had been raised with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visits to Puducherry for official programmes. He urged the Union Territory's MPs to take a proactive role in pursuing the demand with the Centre.

The demand received support from all members who participated in the debate, indicating broad political backing within the House.

Rangasamy also highlighted his government's efforts to address unemployment among youth. He said around 4,000 government posts had been filled in recent years through a transparent process and announced that another 1,000 candidates would be recruited in the near future.

Turning to industrial development, he said a Special Economic Zone sanctioned by the Centre would facilitate the establishment of industrial estates and industrial parks at Karasur village. The projects, he said, could generate employment opportunities for local youth.

The Assembly also witnessed criticism from Opposition benches. DMK Leader of the Opposition A M H Nazeem raised concerns over the delay in electing a regular Speaker for the territorial Assembly.

Nazeem questioned the participation of Lieutenant Governor Kailashnathan in the recent 31st South Zonal Council meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Mamallapuram. He noted that chief ministers of other southern states had participated, while Rangasamy had skipped the meeting.

The House subsequently adopted the motion of thanks to the Lieutenant Governor's address.

Earlier, pro tem Speaker A Anbalagan referred to the devastating flash floods in Nepal. Members observed a two-minute silence in memory of the victims.