Sun Jun 22 09:24:28 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Former Puducherry Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy has accused the current Chief Minister N. Rangasamy of deceiving the public by implementing tax hikes and increased duties “through the backdoor” despite promises of a tax-free budget. Narayanasamy claims bus fares, fuel charges, power tariffs, and excise duties have been significantly increased, impacting all sections of society. He also alleges unfulfilled election promises, worker neglect due to government undertaking closures, and widespread corruption within the AINRC-BJP coalition government. The Congress party plans to present a report to President Droupadi Murmu in August, detailing these alleged issues and corruption.

**News Article:**

**Former Puducherry CM Accuses Ruling Government of “Backdoor” Tax Hikes and Corruption**

**PUDUCHERRY -** Former Puducherry Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy leveled serious allegations against the current AINRC-BJP coalition government led by Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, accusing it of deceiving the public with hidden tax increases and rampant corruption. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, June 22, 2025, Narayanasamy claimed Rangasamy was “taking people for a ride” by implementing significant hikes in bus fares, fuel charges, power tariffs, and excise duties despite previously promising a tax-free budget.

“The Chief Minister and his Cabinet colleagues have been making tall claims that the government has presented a tax-free budget for the current fiscal. But in reality, the taxes have been hiked exorbitantly,” Narayanasamy stated.

Beyond the tax accusations, the former Chief Minister criticized the government for failing to deliver on key election promises, including reopening ration shops, waiving farm loans, and reviving struggling cooperative sugar and textile mills. He also highlighted the plight of over 10,000 workers affected by the closure of government undertakings like PASIC and PAPSCO.

Narayanasamy further alleged widespread corruption within the government, claiming that bribery was rampant across departments. He cited an incident involving a Sub-Registrar in the Registration Department allegedly caught taking a bribe as evidence of the government’s corrupt practices.

The Congress party, led by Narayanasamy, has reportedly been gathering evidence of corruption and malpractices within the government. They plan to compile a detailed report on the situation in Puducherry and present it to President Droupadi Murmu in August.

These allegations mark a significant escalation in political tensions in Puducherry and could trigger further investigations and public scrutiny of the ruling coalition government.

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