Archive · 27 Aug 2026
Puducherry Chief Minister Renews Statehood Demand in Assembly
Puducherry’s Chief Minister N Rangasamy again asked for Puducherry to become a full state.
He said its current union territory status makes it harder for the government to act quickly.
He said this can delay development schemes.
Rangasamy said he has discussed statehood with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He also asked Puducherry’s members of Parliament to help with the demand.
Assembly members who spoke in the debate supported statehood.
Rangasamy said the government has filled 4,000 government jobs and plans to fill 1,000 more.
He said a new Special Economic Zone could create industrial areas and jobs.
Opposition leader A M H Nazeem questioned the delay in choosing a regular Speaker and the Lieutenant Governor’s participation in a regional council meeting.
The Assembly later approved a motion thanking the Lieutenant Governor for his address.
Chief Minister N Rangasamy again urged statehood for Puducherry, calling union territory status an administrative hurdle.
Rangasamy said the status delays government schemes and that he has raised the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
All members who participated in the debate supported the statehood demand, while MPs were urged to advocate for it.
The government has filled 4,000 posts and plans to recruit 1,000 more candidates, according to Rangasamy.
The Assembly adopted the motion of thanks to Lt Governor K Kailashnathan after debate on his address.
- Who
- Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy, Opposition Leader A M H Nazeem, Lt Governor K Kailashnathan, and members of the territorial Assembly.
- What
- The Assembly debated and supported Puducherry’s demand for statehood, along with government jobs, industrial development, and procedural concerns.
- When
- Thursday; the debate followed the Lt Governor’s customary address delivered on August 24.
- Where
- The Puducherry territorial Assembly; the related South Zonal Council meeting was held in Mamallapuram.
- Why
- Rangasamy said union territory status creates administrative hurdles and delays the implementation of government schemes.
Statehood Supporters
Assembly Critics
Puducherry’s constitutional status
Statehood Supporters
Rangasamy and participating Assembly members said Puducherry should receive statehood because union territory status creates administrative hurdles and delays schemes.
Assembly Critics
No member speaking in the debate opposed statehood; however, the article records separate concerns about how Puducherry’s existing administration is functioning.
Representation at the South Zonal Council
Statehood Supporters
The Lieutenant Governor represented Puducherry at the meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Assembly Critics
Opposition Leader A M H Nazeem questioned the participation, saying only Chief Ministers could take part in the deliberations and noting that Rangasamy skipped the meeting.
Assembly leadership
Statehood Supporters
The House proceeded with its debate and adopted the motion of thanks to the Lieutenant Governor’s address.
Assembly Critics
Nazeem raised concerns about the delay in electing a regular Speaker for the territorial Assembly.
- Statehood demand
- Chief Minister N Rangasamy reiterated Puducherry’s demand to become a state.
- Government jobs filled
- The government has filled 4,000 posts in recent years, according to Rangasamy.
- Planned recruitment
- The government plans to recruit 1,000 more candidates.
- Industrial development
- A Centre-sanctioned Special Economic Zone is expected to support industrial estates and parks in Karasur village.
- Assembly resolution
- The House adopted the motion of thanks to Lt Governor K Kailashnathan’s address.
- Opposition concerns
- A M H Nazeem questioned the delay in electing a regular Speaker and the Lieutenant Governor’s role at the South Zonal Council meeting.
- Nepal floods
- The Assembly observed two minutes of silence for victims of devastating flash floods in Nepal.