Latest news with #AINRC
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
CPI accuses AINRC-BJP government of making Dalit Ministers scapegoat in their power struggle
The Communist Party of India has accused the AINRC-BJP government of making Ministers belonging to the Dalit community 'scapegoats' in their internal power struggle. In a statement, party secretary A. M. Saleem said the AINRC-BJP combine which came to power in Puducherry after the 2021 Assembly polls had failed to deliver on its promises. The ruling camp was full of contradictions and caught in a power struggle, he said. 'In 2023, Chandira Priyanga, a Dalit member belonging to the AINRC was dropped from the Cabinet. And now, BJP member A.K. Sai J. Saravanan Kumar has resigned. Dalit Ministers become scapegoats whenever problems arise within the BJP and the AINRC combine. The BJP is anti-Dalit and against social justice,' Mr. Saleem said. He urged the people of Puducherry to give BJP a fitting lesson at the appropriate time.
New Indian Express
5 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
BJP reshuffles Puducherry unit, minister and three MLAs step down ahead of 2026 polls
PUDUCHERRY: The BJP on Friday initiated a major reshuffle in its Puducherry unit ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, with Adi Dravidar Welfare Minister A K Sai Saravanan Kumar resigning from the N Rangasamy-led cabinet, and three nominated MLAs — V P Ramalingam, K Venkatesan, and R B Ashok Babu — stepping down. The resignations were directed by the party's central leadership as part of a strategy to bring in new faces in the run-up to the polls. Puducherry is the BJP's only stronghold in South India, where it governs in alliance with the AINRC. Sai Saravanan Kumar, the lone Dalit minister in the cabinet, confirmed he had stepped down on the party's instructions. 'I was appointed minister on June 27 at the direction of PM Narendra Modi. I have now resigned following his directive,' he said. Assembly Speaker R Selvam confirmed that the resignations of the three nominated MLAs had been accepted and forwarded to L-G K Kailashnathan for submission to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. BJP Puducherry in-charge Nirmal Kumar Surana said the party has finalised three names for the vacant nominated MLA posts. Those in consideration include S Rajasekaran, former Congress MLA E Theepainjan and D Selvam, current BJP vice-president.
New Indian Express
6 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
DMK's R Siva slams Puducherry CM over handling of women's aid scheme, urges Centre's support
PUDUCHERRY: DMK State Organiser and Leader of the Opposition R Siva on Thursday strongly criticised Chief Minister N Rangasamy for the manner in which the Rs 2,500 monthly financial assistance scheme for women is being handled, and urged the government to seek support from the union government instead of burdening the public through increased taxation. In a press statement, Siva alleged that the announcement of the scheme was made solely with an eye on securing votes in the 2026 Assembly elections, likening it to similar political tactics seen in Delhi. He claimed that the CM had assumed financial backing would be extended by the BJP-led centre as part of a strategy to bring the AINRC under BJP control. 'However, the BJP has distanced itself from the scheme and has not released any funds. This has left the Rangasamy-led government scrambling for resources,' Siva said, adding that the BJP was deliberately withholding financial support to damage the image of the chief minister. He further accused BJP ministers, MLAs and local leaders of remaining silent on the issue. He also charged the BJP with indulging in 'divisive politics' that exploit differences in caste, language, and ethnicity to consolidate power. Turning his criticism towards the territorial government, the DMK leader condemned the recent hike in taxes, including the increase in liquor tax and the steep rise in Guideline Land Register (GLR) values. These measures, he said, were being used to mobilise funds to meet poll-time promises. 'The public is bearing the brunt of these decisions, without any sense of fairness or justice,' he added. Siva demanded transparency in implementing financial welfare measures, including the proposed Rs 500 hike in assistance for senior citizens, widows, and persons with disabilities. He called for the matter to be discussed on the floor of the Assembly and urged the government to convene an all-party meeting to seek the views of elected representatives before proceeding with major financial decisions. He accused Rangasamy of bypassing democratic processes in order to push through politically motivated schemes without due consultation.
