No point in contesting poll in Puducherry if govt. has no power, says DMK; CM concurs

Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy on Thursday (February 12, 2026) used the floor of the Legislative Assembly, while presenting a Vote on Account of ₹5,396 crore, to express his dismay “over the lack of power of the elected government” in the Union Territory (UT). He went to the extent of concurring with the view of the principal Opposition party, DMK, that the Assembly polls should not be contested until Statehood was accorded to Puducherry.

As the Chief Minister presented the Vote on Account, the DMK and Congress legislators got on their feet, accusing the government of failing to take steps to fulfil certain assurances made to the Assembly. The legislators said the Chief Minister was unable to fulfil the commitment of regularisation of 292 contract teachers “because of the stand taken by the Secretaries”.

“A Chief Minister cannot fulfil these assurances because the elected government has no power in Puducherry. He has to get a sanction from the Chief Secretary and Secretaries to fulfil such assurances. There is no point in continuing like this and then facing another election. There is no point in contesting the polls if the elected government has no power. An all-party meeting should be convened to take a stand on Statehood,” said DMK convenor and Opposition leader R. Siva. 

Mr. Rangasamy, whose All India NR Congress (AINRC) party is running a coalition government with the BJP, was quick to respond that if all the parties take a unanimous stand, the AINRC would support the decision.

“I have been a witness to the governance in Puducherry since 1991. Over the years, there has been a gradual loss of power of the elected government, with arguments now being made to suggest that the Lieutenant Governor of the UT has more power. If all the parties are ready, the AINRC is also ready to take a stand. We must all fight to get Statehood for Puducherry,” the Chief Minister said in the Assembly. 

During his speech, the Chief Minister, however, stated that the AINRC-BJP government was able to fulfil most of the assurances given to the voters. The government was able to provide direct employment to around 4,000 youth in various departments and take up ₹3,000 crore worth of infrastructure projects in the last five years, he said.

“We were able to initiate welfare measures, such as enhancing financial allocation to women heads of BPL families and the old-age pension. The monthly assistance of ₹2,500 to women heads of BPL families is one of the highest in the country. Our government has enhanced the old-age pension twice after coming to power. The government was also able to provide financial assistance to students,” the Chief Minister said.

Mr. Rangasamy expressed gratitude to the Lt. Governor, Chief Secretary, and Secretaries for supporting the implementation of various schemes. The Chief Minister added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will announce more schemes during his upcoming visit to Puducherry.

Financial assistance

Mr. Rangasamy also announced the decision to implement the provision of a monthly financial assistance of ₹1, 000 to women heads of Yellow Ration Cardholder families. The old-age pension would be given to 4,000 more people shortly, he added.

BJP legislator P.M.L. Kalyanasundaram said the Opposition legislators were criticising the government for political reasons, as they could not find any fault when it came to governance. “The Opposition legislators have benefitted, with more funds being spent in their constituencies than in those of the ruling party legislators. There are certain issues with the regularisation of contract teachers, and the Chief Minister should address them,” he said.

In the last five years, 36,000 more beneficiaries were added to the old-age pension scheme in the UT, he added.

Independent legislator walks out

As soon as the House met, Independent legislator Nehru alias Kuppusamy questioned the propriety of Speaker R. Selvam in conducting the proceedings after he was found to be “close to the main accused” in the counterfeit drug case.

When Mr. Nehru continued his speech, his mic was turned off. Agitated over the denial of his right to speak, he rushed into the Well of the House. The Speaker then ordered the watch and ward staff to remove him. Before they could do so, Mr. Nehru walked out of the House.