Rangasamy went his way;did not consult ministerial colleagues

Puducherry, Feb 15 (PTI): The all India NR Congress floatedlast week by former Chief Minister and estranged Congressleader N Rangasamy will have no impact on the political andelectoral prospects of Congress, Chief Minister V Vaithilingamsaid here today.

Asserting this at a press conference here,Vaithilingam (whosucceeded Rangasamy on September 4, 2008 after Rangasamy wasousted from the post by AICC) said Rangasamy did not consulthis ministerial colleagues and officers.

"He virtually went his own way and a handful of personsaround him were his close confidantes", he said and allegedthat Rangasamy did not share portfolios with his erstwhilecolleagues and retained most subjects with him.

Vaithilingam also claimed that the party-All India NRCongress- floated by Rangasamy would not not impact theelectoral and political prospects of the Congress here.

Rangasamy quit the MLA post and also the primary membershipof Congress on January 20. His close friend P Angalane alsoquit the post of MLA besides that of chairman of PuducherryHousing Board and the Government whip on January 20.

This development consequently reduced the strength of theCongress in the Assembly from 13 to 11.

The Vaithilingam led ministry however faced no threat asthe seven-member DMK and the three Independents support thegovernment from outside).