Cabinet approves President Rule in Union Territory Puducherry, send approval for final nod

On February 24, 2021 Union cabinet has approved the recommendation of Lieutenant Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan for the appointment of the President’s Rule in Puducherry after Opposition coalition led by the All India NR Congress refused to stake a claim to form the government.

According to the Union Minister Prakash Javadekar the approval will be sent to the President of India – Ram Nath Kovind for the final approval after which the assembly of Puducherry will stand dissolved.

Under the President’s rule, the Lieutenant Governor becomes the constitutional head of the Union Territory. Soundararajan was appointed as the Lieutenant Governor after Kiran Bedi was removed from her post stating she broke constitutional provisions and rules.

This moves comes after V Narayanasamy-led Congress-DMK coalition government fell to prove majority during the floor test in the assembly on Monday. The Opposition had filed a petition seeking a floor test to Lieutenant Governor’s office to prove majority in the assembly.