Mon Dec 23 12:23:41 UTC 2024: **Puducherry Congress Backs No-Confidence Motion Against Assembly Speaker**

PUDUCHERRY, December 23, 2024 – The Puducherry Congress has announced its support for a no-confidence motion against Assembly Speaker R. Selvam, filed by two independent legislators. PCC President and MP V. Vaithilingam stated this at a press conference on Monday, citing the Speaker’s alleged breach of conventions and impartiality. Vaithilingam, a former Speaker himself, criticized Selvam’s attendance at BJP functions and official meetings, claiming his conduct was unbecoming of a neutral Speaker.

The no-confidence motion, filed last week by independent MLAs Nehru alias Kuppusamy and P. Angalane, demands the Assembly convene a special session to address the issue. While the Opposition holds only eight seats in the 33-member Assembly, Vaithilingam emphasized the importance of supporting the motion given the Speaker’s alleged misconduct.

The Congress also urged the government to utilize the special session to pass a resolution requesting ₹600 crore in central assistance for Cyclone Fengal relief. A central team assessed the damage a month ago, but no aid has been forthcoming from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Furthermore, Vaithilingam reiterated the Congress’s demand for Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s resignation, protesting against his alleged disrespectful remarks towards Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The party views these comments as reflective of the BJP and RSS’s alleged attempt to undermine reservation policies.

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