The Union government on Tuesday approved the three names forwarded by Chief Minister N. Rangasamy for induction into the Legislative Assembly as nominated MLAs.
The Union Home Ministry, in its notification, said that the Union government had nominated V. Balan, J. Ayyanar (both from the ruling AINRC) and M. Visweswaran (BJP) as Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs).
The nomination has been done by the government in exercise of the powers conferred by the provisions of the Government of Union Territories Act, 1963. The members would take charge before the Speaker V. Sabapathy in his chamber on September 4.
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With this, the strength of the ruling AINRC has increased from 15 to 18 in the 30-member Territorial Assembly. The ruling AINRC with 15 MLAs also enjoys the support of an Independent MLA V.M.C. Sivakumar from Karaikal.
V. Balan who is the Chairman of Puducherry Textiles Corporation (PTC) pointed out that this was the first time his services had been recognised although he was instrumental in the political growth of a few leaders in the past.
“My dedication has been recognised and this is a good omen. I thank the Chief Minister for providing me with an opportunity to speak in the Assembly,” he said.
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The nominated legislators are entitled to receive all rights and benefits on a par with elected MLAs, though they can’t form an electoral college to vote in presidential elections. However, they have the right to vote during legislation process or passage of any bill. A similar recommendation from the AINRC government for induction as nominated MLAs was not approved by the then UPA-led government in 2011.