This Article is From May 13, 2011

Rangasamy, ally AIADMK wrest Puducherry from Congress

Puducherry: Making a spectacular electoral debut, the All India NR Congress (AINRC) - in alliance with AIADMK - has secured a two-third majority in the 30-member Puducherry Assembly, ending the DMK-supported Congress rule.

Former Chief Minister N Rangasamy led the AINRC to power with the party winning 15 seats and its ally AIADMK 5.

Congress ended with a tally of 7 and DMK 2. DMK rebel V M C Shivakumar won the Neravi T R Pattinam segment.

It was a sweet revenge for Rangasamy who floated his own outfit after resigning from the Congress two years after he was removed as Chief Minister in the face of revolt against his leadership.

Rangasamy, named the chief ministerial candidate of the AINRC-AIADMK front, emerged victorious from both Kadirgamam and Indira Nagar constituencies that he contested from.

Chief Minister V Vaithilingam, who succeeded Rangasamy, won but Welfare Minister M Kandasamy and PWD Minister M O H F Shajahan lost as also Assembly Speaker R Radhakrishnan.

A jubilant Rangasamy said the outcome was a verdict by people and he would soon decide when to meet the Lt Governor and stake claim for forming the government.

CPI, CPI (M) and DMDK, which were part of the AINRC led alliance, however drew a blank contesting one seat each.

In the Congress front, PMK lost both the seats it contested and VCK tasted defeat in the lone seat it was allocated.

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