Domestic issues ends in minister's resignation

Puducherry, Nov 19: Puducherry Social Welfare Minister P Angalan elected from the Thirubhuvanai (SC) Constituency - for the second time in a row - was forced to step down, following domestic issues, even before the lapse of six months.

The trouble started, when Kavipriya, the second wife of Mr Angalan, complained that she was being tortured and harassed by him, when she objected to his third marriage. He had already divorced his first wife Gracy. Though, Kavipriya had preferred complaints with the police, no action was taken initially.

She, then, preferred complaints with Chief Minister N Rangasamy and Lt Governor Mukut Mithi. When the issue snowballed following the intervention of Opposition parties and All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA), police registered a case against Mr Angalan under Section 498 (a) IPC, on October 31.

Police later clarified that Mr Angalan could not be booked under the Domestic Violence Act (DVA), as the Act was not yet implemented in the Union Territory.

On direction from the party High Command, Mr Angalan tendered his papers to the Chief Minister, last night. With the Lt Governor being away in New Delhi, Mr Rangasamy is expected to hand it over to him on his arrival, late this evening. Mr Mithi will forward it to the Union Home Ministry for acceptance, following which the party would nominate a new minister.

PCC Chief and Chief Minister will be leaving for New Delhi tomorrow evening to discuss and finalise the new minister and also to finalise the chairpersons for several Government Boards and Corporations here.

Since, there is no Dalit representation in the Cabinet, following the exit of Angalan, Mr Kandasamy, another Dalit elected from Bahour, may get a chance to be the next minister.

However, A Ezhumalai, an Independent Dalit member, who was the Local Administration Development Minister in the previous Rangasamy Cabinet and another former minister Namasivayam were also vying for the portfolio. Mr Ezhumali was reportedly admitted as an associated Congress member recently.

The new minister is expected to be sworn in before the end of this month.

UNI