Puducherry stands at a political crossroads as its Chief Minister N. Rangasamy prepares to present an interim budget in the assembly on Thursday. This session is poised to be the swan song for the existing legislative house ahead of assembly elections.
As finance head, Rangasamy will propose funding for the subsequent five months’ operations. The decision for an interim measure arises from the government’s term expiry in April and electoral uncertainties, diverging from the standard March budget cycle.
The agenda opens with homage to the late, paving the way for the financial proposals. Approval for overrun expenses from the ongoing fiscal year forms another critical item.
Opposition firepower from Congress and DMK promises fireworks, targeting governance lapses like alleged graft and counterfeit drug proliferation in the union territory.
The NR Congress-BJP alliance, in power since 2021, navigates its term’s closure with this gathering. A new house and full budget await post-election government formation.
Election Commission timelines are awaited by month-end, activating strict conduct rules. This means officials relinquishing state resources like cars and workspaces promptly.
Demographics of the 33-seat house: 30 elected members split as 10 NR Congress, 6 BJP, 6 DMK, 2 Congress, 6 Independents; plus 3 BJP appointees.