BJP MLAs, independents camp in Delhi for change in Puducherry cabinet

PUDUCHERRY : Three BJP MLAs, a BJP nominated MLA and three independents supporting the saffron party in the Union territory of Puducherry called on party national president J P Nadda at New Delhi on Wednesday and urged him to make changes in the Puducherry cabinet following the Lok Sabha election debacle.
A section of BJP functionaries, including a few MLAs, held the “poor administration” of the Rangasamy-led AINRC-BJP govt and “poor poll strategies” of Namassivayam responsible for the party’s loss in LS polls.
They urged the party to drop Namassivayam from the Puducherry cabinet and appoint a new minister from the BJP. They suggested that BJP come out of the coalition govt and extend support from outside to safeguard party’s image. They warned that BJP would fare poorly and face an embarrassing defeat in 2026 assembly poll. Meanwhile, Puducherry BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP S Selvaganapathy, who is in New Delhi to participate in Parliament session, has sought appointment with national leaders. Discontent was brewing in Puducherry following Namassivayam’s loss in the LS polls. Former Puducherry BJP president V Saminathan blamed Selvaganapathy for the party’s loss.
In the 30-member assembly, AINRC has 10 seats and its alliance partner BJP six. They formed a coalition government. A record number of six independents were elected. On the opposition side, DMK won six and Congress two. There are three nominated MLAs from BJP and AIADMK drew a blank.