Puducherry Assembly Pushes for Statehood with Unanimous Resolution

The Puducherry Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution urging the central government to grant full statehood to the union territory. The resolution, originally tabled by DMK legislators and an independent member, highlighted Puducherry’s stagnant development under union territory status since its 1954 merger with India.

The Puducherry Assembly on Wednesday unanimously adopted a resolution urging the Centre to concede to the plea for full statehood for the union territory.

The resolution was first jointly tabled by DMK legislators R Siva, A M H Nazeem, and R Senthilkumar, and by independent member G Nehru alias Kuppusamy. The resolution was subsequently adopted as an official resolution following a request by Chief Minister N Rangasamy.

In his speech, Siva pointed out that Puducherry has remained a Union Territory since its independence from French rule seventy years ago while other Union Territories like Goa and Chandigarh have become full-fledged states. Siva argued that statehood would help meet the people's expectations for rapid development across all sectors.

The demand for statehood has been ongoing since 1972, yet the Centre has not taken substantial action. The resolution calls for continuous pressure on the Centre to grant statehood, respecting the rights and aspirations of Puducherry's residents.

DMK members Nazeem and Senthilkumar, along with independent member Nehru, also advocated for statehood. They suggested that a joint delegation of political leaders should meet with the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and Finance Minister to push the demand.

After listening to the members' emotional and spirited arguments, Chief Minister Rangasamy supported turning the private member resolution into an official one. He also endorsed the idea of forming a delegation to meet central leaders and seek support from MPs from other states for the statehood demand.

Speaker R Selvam adjourned the House sine die after the unanimous adoption of the resolution. The budget session, which started on July 31, had eleven sittings, ending with this significant development.

(With inputs from agencies.)