Puducherry: Congress to back Independent MLAs’ no-confidence motion against Speaker

The Congress in Puducherry will support the decision of two Independent legislators to move a no-confidence motion against Speaker R. Selvam in the Puducherry Assembly, Member of Parliament and chief of Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) V. Vaithilingam said on Monday (December 23, 2024).

The Congress in Puducherry will support the decision of two Independent legislators to move a no-confidence motion against Speaker R. Selvam in the Puducherry Assembly, Member of Parliament and chief of Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) V. Vaithilingam said on Monday (December 23, 2024).

Addressing a press conference at the PCC office, he said several political parties have questioned the conduct of Mr. Selvam as Speaker of the Assembly. “...and now, two Independents have served notice for no-confidence motion against the Speaker. We want the government to immediately convene the Assembly to decide on the notice,” he said.

Mr. Vaithilinagm, a former Speaker, said conventions, rules, and practices demand a Speaker to be independent. However, Mr. Selvam, after taking charge, broke all the rules and conventions by attending party functions and official meetings. His conduct was like that of a BJP functionary over the last three and a half years of the NDA government in the Union Territory, he alleged.

“Let the government convene a special session and take up the notice for discussion. The notice served by the two Independents cannot be brushed aside. It is the duty of the Opposition to support the no-confidence motion after the Speaker has flouted conventions and rules,” he said.

It may be recalled that Independent legislators Nehru alias Kuppusamy and P. Angalane, last week, submitted separate notices for moving a no-confidence motion against Mr. Selvam. In the 33-member (30 elected and three nominated MLAs) Assembly, the Opposition parties have eight members (six from DMK and two from Congress).

The PCC chief said the special session of the Assembly could also be utilised by the government to pass a resolution seeking Central assistance for Cyclone Fengal. The central team had visited flood-affected areas around a month ago but so far, there had been no word from the Ministry of Home Affairs on the relief assistance for the Union Territory, he said.

“The UT administration has sought ₹600 crore as Central assistance. The government should pass a resolution and approach the Centre for speedy disbursal of the assistance,” he said.