Puducherry Chief Minister plays down differences with L-G
Interacting with reporters after a meeting with Nirmal Kumar Surana, BJP in-charge for the Union Territory at his residence in Gorimedu, the Chief Minister said differences between the elected government and the titular head were bound to arise considering the administrative apparatus in a Union Territory.
'There have always been differences between the elected government and the Lt. Governor in Puducherry due to the existing administrative system. Differences are there now as they have been earlier. As long as Puducherry remains a Union Territory, such differences are bound to happen. That is why all political parties want Statehood,' he said.
Asked about reports of him being disappointed with Mr. Kailashnathan over the appointment of Health Director, the Chief Minister said there were minor issues in the administration and they were being sorted out. 'We all want the NDA to come back to power again in Puducherry after the 2026 Assembly poll. Discussions are on to avoid such differences and a mechanism will be put in place to sort out things in future,' he said.
Denying any pressure from the BJP, Mr. Rangasamy said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had always showered him with respect even when he was heading a Congress government in Puducherry.
Referring to the period when he was Chief Minister of the Congress government in Puducherry and Mr. Modi was heading the BJP government in Gujarat, Mr. Rangasamy said, 'We have had a good relationship from those times. We have mutual respect for each other.'
The number of seats to be contested by BJP and AINRC in the 2026 Assembly poll will be decided at the time of election, the Chief Minister said, adding that people had voted the alliance to perform. 'We will continue to serve the people and return to power in 2026,' he said.
Mr. Surana said the meeting was just a routine affair and both the parties would work together to win the 2026 Assembly poll.
Minister for Public Works K. Lakshminarayanan, Deputy Speaker P. Rajavelou, AINRC legislators and Independents supporting the AINRC in the Assembly attended the meeting with Mr. Surana. On the part of BJP, Home Minister A. Namassivayam and party president V. P Ramalingam were present.
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