The Hindu : New Delhi News : Puducherry Ministers meet Sonia Gandhi

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Thursday, Jul 31, 2008
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Puducherry Ministers meet Sonia Gandhi

J. Balaji

They complained about Chief Minister Rangasamy’s style of functioning

NEW DELHI: As the demand for a change in leadership of the Congress government in Puducherry gathered momentum, a group of 10 MLAs, including five Ministers of the Puducherry administration, called on AICC president Sonia Gandhi here and sought her immediate intervention to sort out the issue.

Patient hearing

A senior Minister told The Hindu that Ms. Gandhi gave them a patient hearing for about 15 minutes and assured that she would take a view after getting a report from Vayalar Ravi and Arun Kumar, who are in-charge of Congress affairs in Puducherry.

The delegation complained about Chief Minister N. Rangasamy’s style of functioning and alleged that he was giving importance only for the development of his Thattachavadi Assembly constituency.

Even the Opposition parties -- the DMK, PMK, CPI, MDMK, Puducherry Makkal Congress and the AIADMK -- had been complaining about the government, the Puducherry leaders told Ms. Gandhi, pressing for urgent steps.

The Ministers who were part of the delegation were, former Chief Minister and present Industries Minister V Vaithilingam; Health Minister E. Valsaraj; Education Minister M.O.H.F. Shajahan; Tourism Minister Malladi Krishna Rao; and Welfare Minister M. Kandasamy.

Though the delegation did not suggest alternative name for the top post, informed sources said Mr. Vaithilingam and Mr. Valsaraj were in the race.

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