Puducherry, 10 June (H.S.):

The long-awaited expansion of the Puducherry Council of Ministers will take place on June 17, with three legislators set to be inducted into the cabinet, enabling the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government led by Chief Minister N. Rangasamy to attain its full sanctioned strength ahead of the presentation of the Union Territory’s full budget.

The expansion follows approval from President Droupadi Murmu for the appointment of AINRC MLAs P. Rajavelu and V.P. Sivakolundhu, along with BJP legislator G.N.S. Rajasekaran, as ministers. Acting on the recommendation of Chief Minister Rangasamy, the President cleared their induction into the cabinet.

According to an official release from the Chief Minister’s Office, Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan will administer the oath of office and secrecy to the new ministers at a ceremony scheduled for 9.45 a.m. on June 17. Their appointments will come into effect from the date of swearing-in.

The cabinet expansion comes nearly a month after the NDA retained power in the 2026 Assembly elections by winning 18 of the 30 seats in the House. Rangasamy was sworn in as Chief Minister on May 13 along with BJP leader A. Namassivayam and senior AINRC leader Malladi Krishna Rao. However, allocation of ministerial portfolios was deferred pending the completion of the cabinet formation process.

Rajavelu, a senior AINRC leader, has previously served as Deputy Speaker and minister, while Sivakolundhu was Speaker of the Assembly during the Congress-led government headed by former Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy. Rajasekaran, a second-term MLA from Karaikal, will become a minister for the first time. His induction is being viewed as an effort to ensure representation for both the Scheduled Caste community and the Karaikal region.

With the induction of the three ministers, the Puducherry cabinet will reach its full strength. Government sources said portfolio allocation is expected soon after the swearing-in ceremony, while elections to the posts of Speaker and Deputy Speaker are also likely to be held shortly.

The expansion assumes significance as the government prepares its full-fledged Budget for 2026-27. Earlier this year, the Assembly passed a Vote on Account of Rs 5,396 crore to meet expenditure from April to August pending presentation of the full budget.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman