Puducherry Assembly Pushes for Full Statehood

The Puducherry Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution urging the Centre to grant full statehood to the union territory. The resolution, initially tabled by DMK legislators and an independent member, highlighted the long-standing demand dating back to 1972. Chief Minister N Rangasamy endorsed making it an official resolution.

The Puducherry Assembly on Wednesday made a significant move by unanimously adopting a resolution that calls on the Centre to grant full statehood to the union territory.

The resolution was initially presented by DMK legislators R Siva, A M H Nazeem, R Senthilkumar, and independent member G Nehru alias Kuppusamy, before being adopted as an official resolution at the request of Chief Minister N Rangasamy.

In advocating for the resolution, Siva noted that Puducherry has remained a Union Territory since its independence from French rule 70 years ago and contrasted this with regions like Goa that have achieved full statehood and significant progress. The Chief Minister supported the idea of a delegation going to Delhi to press the Prime Minister and other ministers for statehood. The session ended with Speaker R Selvam adjourning the House sine die after the resolution was unanimously accepted.

(With inputs from agencies.)