Puducherry, February 12 Chief Minister N Rangasamy reiterated on Thursday the demand for statehood for Puducherry, which has been a Union Territory since the merger of former French establishments with the Indian Union in 1962.
He was responding to the views expressed by opposition DMK members R Siva and A M H Nazeem that the demand for statehood should be pursued without fail.
The CM said, "The lack of powers for the elected government in the present constitutional status of Puducherry, while remaining a Union Territory, has been a major obstacle for the elected ministry to make decisions quickly and implement programs."
Rangasamy further stated that his party would support the move if there was a collective consensus among all legislators and political parties on the issue of statehood.
According to him, the Union Territory had witnessed greater development in the last five years despite several struggles and difficulties that arose due to the lack of powers for the elected ministry.
"As today's assembly session was the last one for the five-year-long House, I truly feel satisfied with meeting the aspirations and expectations of the people with the cooperation of all sections," the Chief Minister added.
Rangasamy highlighted that the Centre has allocated Rs 200 crore for Puducherry to develop rural roads and noted that his government has also increased monthly pensions under various categories by Rs 500.
The Chief Minister said that his government was implementing welfare schemes without showing any discrimination between constituencies held by the ruling AINRC-BJP legislators and the opposition.
"My concern is that the entire Union Territory should emerge as a fully developed segment, and I have never shown any discrimination in implementing the schemes," he said.
Earlier, leader of the opposition in the assembly, R Siva and his party colleague A M H Nazeem affirmed their full support for the demand for statehood.
"To achieve the goal of statehood, if any decision is taken, including boycotting the forthcoming Assembly poll here, we will support it, as statehood is more important in the larger interest of the welfare of the people," they said.
During the session, Independent member G Nehru alias Kuppusamy sought to raise a grievance against Speaker R Selvam.
He also rushed to the well of the House and started speaking vociferously. The Speaker directed the watch and ward to evict Nehru from the House, and the member was seen executing the Speaker's order.
The Speaker R Selvam, who adjourned the House sine die after the CM's reply to the members' views on statehood and other issues, thanked all the members for their cooperation in conducting the proceedings during the last five years.
Puducherry would go to the polls shortly to elect the new assembly.