Puducherry Awaits New Lt Governor Amidst Budget Session Preparations

Puducherry is set to welcome its 25th Lt Governor as the budget session of the Puducherry Assembly nears. This Union Territory has had five women as Lt Governors, including Kiran Bedi. The incoming Lt Governor, possibly Kailashanathan, would address the session's commencement. Chief Minister N Rangasamy will present the budget on August 2.

Puducherry is on the verge of appointing its 25th Lt Governor since achieving de jure status in 1962. The new officeholder is anticipated to assume duties shortly.

This Union Territory has witnessed the tenure of five women among its Lt Governors, notably including Kiran Bedi, the first woman IPS officer, who held office from 2016 to 2021. The probable successor, Kailashanathan, has a distinguished career in the Gujarat IAS cadre, working closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his tenure as the Chief Minister of Gujarat.

As the budget session of the Puducherry Assembly gears up to start on July 31, the opening address by the Lt Governor remains a subject of speculation. It is yet to be determined whether this inaugural speech will be delivered by the current Lt Governor, C P Radhakrishnan, or the incoming official, Kailashanathan. On August 2, Chief Minister N Rangasamy is set to unveil the 2024-25 budget in the Assembly.