Rangasamy picks newcomer, says it is a long-term choice

Narayanasamy will face Congress veteran Vaithilingam

Big break: AINRC chief N. Rangasamy greeting K. Narayanasamy in Puducherry on Friday.

The former Chief Minister and founder leader of the All India N.R. Congress N. Rangasamy on Friday said the party had chosen K. Narayanasamy as the candidate for the April 18 Lok Sabha election as he was “young and fresh with ideas.”

The AINRC-AIADMK-BJP-PMK combine is fighting the Congress-DMK alliance with Left parties in the general elections.

Interacting with reporters after announcing the candidature of Mr. Narayanasamy, AINRC chief said, “youngsters can work with lot of energy. He will have a long tenure in politics. It's good for Puducherry.”

A qualified doctor, Mr. Narayanasamy also has a degree in business administration from Cardiff University, UK. He is the secretary of Sri Manakula Vinayaga Educational Trust and of Mailam Subramaniya Swamy Educational Trust. His father, N. Kesavan, had served as government whip in the Legislative Assembly.

MP’s loss

It was almost clear a few months ago that the party was looking for a new face as MP Radhakrishnan had fallen out of favour with Mr. Rangasamy. He was conspicuous by his absence on Friday when the party introduced the candidate amid rumours of him being re-inducted into the Congress.

Responding to a question on AINRC candidate for Thattanchavady byelection, Mr Rangasamy said it would be announced shortly.