Puducherry's Renewed Push for Statehood Gains Momentum

The long-standing demand for statehood for Puducherry has resurfaced, with the territorial Assembly passing yet another resolution. Both ruling and opposition parties argue that statehood would grant the government full-fledged powers, thereby overcoming administrative hurdles. Key political figures emphasize the necessity of statehood for effective governance.

The long-standing demand for statehood for the Union Territory of Puducherry has once again reverberated in the territorial Assembly, which passed a unanimous resolution earlier this week. The Assembly has adopted similar resolutions on 15 previous occasions, demanding that the Centre confer statehood on the region.

Puducherry, along with its outlying regions of Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam, has been a Union Territory since its merger with India via a referendum in 1954. The lack of full-fledged governmental powers has long been a stumbling block for local governance, necessitating Central consent for legislative actions. Chief Minister N Rangasamy of the AINRC-BJP coalition has ardently advocated for statehood, arguing that it would expedite government decisions.

Former Chief Minister V Narayanasamy of the Congress party asserts that statehood is 'absolutely' necessary. He dismissed fears that the UT's financial position would be strained by statehood, emphasizing the importance of prudent planning and effective tax collection. Opposition and ruling blocs alike underline the urgency of statehood to overcome administrative hurdles and frequent tussles with the Centre, which have historically slowed decision-making processes.

(With inputs from agencies.)