Puducherry: The outcome of the Nellithope by-poll has come as a major victory for Congress Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy, whose selection to the top post was a controversial choice both inside and outside the party.
The thumping victory in the election would help him to emerge further stronger within the party and the ruling Congress -DMK combine. He is only the second person after his mentor P Shanmugam, who became a CM without being a legislator. His victory will make life difficult for his detractors within the party, who were waiting to unseat him. Nar-ayanasamy has been a three-term RS member and won only once as Loksabha member, losing the other time.
His victory margin of over 11000 votes in spite of AINRC backing his main AIADMK rival, his hold on the state administration will get strengthened and he can confidently implement his programs and continue the welfare measures already introduced.
AINRC chief N. Rangasamy’s dream of returning back to power with the help of AIADMK has remained a dream and his bete noire Narayansamy has gained in strength.
Out of the nine CMs, only four have completed the full term and this is something which Narayanasamy will have to keep in mind and ensure his party men are happy and ensure the high command backs him up full term.
Anyway, the Congress party is hopeful that the experience of Mr Narayanasamy as the union minister with the strong support from Lt Governor Kiran Bedi can now bring the struggling Puducherry economy back on feet.
