Puducherry Cabinet Reaches Full Strength as Three New Ministers Take Oath

The Puducherry government expanded its ministry on Wednesday with the induction of three new ministers, taking the N Rangasamy-led cabinet to its full sanctioned strength of six members. The swearing in ceremony, held at Lok Niwas , marked an important milestone for the Union Territory administration as it seeks to strengthen governance and accelerate developmental initiatives.

P Rajavelu, V P Sivakolundhu and G N S Rajasekaran , representing the ruling alliance partners All India N R Congress (AINRC) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) , were administered the oath of office and secrecy by Lieutenant Governor K Kailashnathan . The ceremony was attended by legislators, senior government officials and representatives of various organisations.

Before the oath taking ceremony, Chief Secretary Sharat Chauhan read out the notification issued by the Union Home Ministry regarding the appointment of the three legislators as ministers. The notification had been approved by President Droupadi Murmu on June 8.

The newly inducted ministers bring considerable legislative and administrative experience to the government. P Rajavelu has previously served as the Deputy Speaker of the Puducherry Legislative Assembly, while V P Sivakolundhu has held the position of Speaker. Their experience is expected to add depth and stability to the functioning of the cabinet.

Meanwhile, G N S Rajasekaran , who was elected from Tirunallar constituency in the Karaikal region during the Assembly elections held on April 9, represents a new generation of leadership within the government. His inclusion is seen as an effort to ensure broader regional representation within the ministry.

With the latest expansion, the Rangasamy government now has a complete six member cabinet, the traditional strength of the Puducherry Council of Ministers. Chief Minister N Rangasamy had earlier taken oath on May 13 alongside BJP legislature party leader A Namassivayam and AINRC legislator Malladi Krishna Rao , who represents Yanam , the Puducherry enclave located in Andhra Pradesh.

The cabinet expansion is expected to enhance administrative efficiency and provide greater momentum to the government's policy agenda as it enters the next phase of its tenure. Political observers believe the inclusion of experienced legislators and fresh leadership could help the government balance governance priorities while strengthening coordination within the ruling alliance.