Pondicherry heading for coalition

Pondicherry, May 12: With no single party getting a majority on its own, the union territory is heading towards a coalition government.

The Congress, leading the DPA and the single largest party with ten seats, is certain to stake claim to form the government.

AICC General Secretary B K Hariprasad and Motilal Vora are scheduled to arrive here later in the day for discussions on government formation.

However, political analysts are still pondering over the question whether the Congress' allies, including the DMK, will extend support from the outside or join the government.

The Congress may follow the Tamil Nadu model where no party, including the DMK-led DPA, secured a majority on its own.

It had reportedly agreed to extend support from the outside to the DMK for forming the Ministry.

Sources said the DMK MLAs were in favour of participating in the government though the final decision will be taken by their Party President M Karunanidhi.

Another question is whether incumbent Chief Minister N Rangasamy will retain his position. Sources said Former Chief Minister V Vaithilingam and Health Minister E Valsaraj were also eyeing the top post.

Mr Rangasamy's chances suffered with Karaikal region voting to against the party. The DMK is likely to oppose his candidature citing his propensity to direct all welfare schemes to his own Thattanchavady constituency.

In this scenario, the process of electing the CLP leader and Ministry formation is expected to take place only by the end of next week after AICC leaders hold talks with the newly-elected legislators and the leaders of alliance parties, including Mr Karunanidhi.

Meanwhile, Mr Rangasamy tendered his resignation to Lt Governor M M Lakhera last night. He was asked to continue as the caretaker Chief Minister till the new government was sworn-in.

UNI

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