A day after achieving a >morale-boosting victory in the Lok Sabha elections , Chief Minister of Puducherry and All India NR Congress founder N. Rangasamy on Saturday expressed optimism that the new government at the Centre led by Narendra Modi would treat all States and Union Territories in an even-handed manner.
He also hinted at his wish of his party candidate being allotted a Cabinet berth in the new regime that will soon take over the reins at the Centre.
Mr. Rangasamy attributed his party’s handsome win to the party’s alliance with the BJP, particularly the nation-wide Modi wave, and his government’s performance in Puducherry.
“The nation will prosper on several fronts under the leadership of Mr. Narendra Modi,” said Rangasamy while thanking the voters and party volunteers who delivered a win for his party.
“In voting overwhelmingly for our candidate, the people have reposed their faith in the All India NR Congress government. Keeping in mind the decisive mandate of the people, our government will implement new welfare schemes and strive to complete the existing schemes on schedule.”
Conveying his whole-hearted greeting to the new government that will be formed soon at Centre, Mr. Rangasamy also stated that he was hopeful that the new government would extend all support to the Puducherry Government in fulfilling its developmental plans.
He also hoped that the new dispensation at the Centre would show greater interest in according the long-standing demand for Statehood for the Union Territory of Puducherry. “Shortly, we will take an all party delegation to meet the Prime Minister and put forth our demand for statehood that envisages an integrated Puducherry inclusive of its enclaves.”
The Chief Minister said the BJP’s Prime Minister-designate Mr. Modi had stated that he would treat all State governments and Union Territories on an equal footing. He also pointed to the promise in National Democratic Alliance’s election manifesto that its government would take steps to accord statehood to all union territories.
To a question on whether his party would join the new cabinet at Centre, he said: “If there is an opportunity, we will be happy to join the cabinet. Through that we shall bring in more developmental schemes for the welfare of State.”
Mr. Rangasamy said he would very soon meet Mr. Modi to convey his personal greetings.
He would also discuss with the new Prime Minister on subjects such as relief to State government from financial burden and industrial growth.
