Political Crisis in Puducherry: BJP MLAs Express Displeasure Against Government

GG News Bureau
Puducherry, 5th July. A political storm is brewing in Puducherry as a faction of BJP MLAs has expressed discontent with the ruling AINRC-BJP coalition government. Alleging corruption and various governance issues, these legislators have turned to the national leadership for intervention, sparking a crisis within the union territory’s political landscape.

Key Issues and Demands
The disgruntled BJP legislators have camped in the national capital, urging swift action to address their concerns before the situation deteriorates further. Their demands include a reshuffling of the cabinet and a re-evaluation of the local BJP leadership, especially in light of the recent electoral defeat. Puducherry Home Minister A Namassivayam lost to Congress’ Ve Vaithilingam by a significant margin of over 1.36 lakh votes in the April 19 Lok Sabha polls, an outcome attributed partly to the perceived inefficiencies of the three-year-old N Rangasamy-led government.

Meetings and Pleas for Intervention
A delegation of seven BJP MLAs, accompanied by a couple of nominated legislators and independents, sought the intervention of the BJP high command. On Wednesday, they met BJP national president JP Nadda in Delhi, presenting their grievances and seeking his help to rectify the coalition ministry’s shortcomings in Puducherry. They also met Lt Governor CP Radhakrishnan, highlighting issues such as the government’s failure to address the needs of BJP-held constituencies and allegations of rampant corruption.

In addition, the MLAs met Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, the party observer in recent times, explaining the reasons behind the BJP’s poor performance in the parliamentary polls.

Silence from Chief Minister Rangasamy
Chief Minister N Rangasamy has remained silent amid the growing rebellion. The AINRC holds 10 seats in the territorial Assembly, while its ally, the BJP, has 6 members. The Assembly also includes six independents and three nominated legislators, with the opposition (comprising DMK and Congress) holding eight seats. This political crisis has exposed internal rifts within the BJP, with some members calling for a change in the state party leadership.

Calls for Leadership Change
The demand for leadership change is growing louder, with former Puducherry BJP president V Saminathan openly calling for the removal of the current state president, S Selvaganapathy, due to the poor electoral performance. This internal discord further complicates the political scenario in Puducherry.

As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on the BJP high command’s next move and how it will address the concerns of its legislators and the future of the coalition government in Puducherry.