T. Thiyagaran sworn in pro-tem Speaker of Puducherry

T. Thiagarajan, Member of Legislative Assembly from the Bahour constituency, was sworn in pro tem Speaker of the Puducherry Legislative Assembly at the Raj Nivas here on Wednesday. Lieutenant Governor Iqbal Singh administered the oath of affirmation.

Mr. Thiagarajan, who belonged to the All India N.R Congress, defeated former Speaker R. Radhakrishnan in the recent Assembly elections.

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Chief Minister N. Rangasamy and newly-elected MLAs belonging to the AINRC.

None of the MLAs belonging to the other parties, including the Congress, the AIADMK and the DMK, attended the ceremony, though Raj Nivas sources said that invitation was sent to all of them.

While a release from the Assembly Secretary on Tuesday said that a session of the Legislative Assembly would be convened on Friday, when the newly-elected members would take oath, there was no indication from the ruling AINRC about expansion of the Cabinet.

This was despite the fact that over 15 days have passed on Wednesday since Mr. Rangasamy took charge as Chief Minister.

Puducherry CM V Vaithilingam declares assets

Puducherry Chief Minister V Vaithilingam today declared his assets in response to guidelines received from the Centre.

Vaithilingam released the details of his assets and that of his wife V Sasikala at a press meet here, saying "this is in keeping with the circular received from the Centre."

As per the statement of assets, Vaithilingam has deposits to the tune of Rs 11.85 lakh, mutual funds for Rs 18 lakh, LIC policy for Rs 12.25 lakh and 50 gm of gold. He has got 4,077 shares.

Besides having a plot at Boominapet measuring 322 sq m, he also owns a building measuring 21,600 sq ft at Moolakulam, two houses at 1,800 sq ft each at Brindavanam and a house at Madukarai, near Puducherry. In addition, he owns 11.52 hectares of agricultural land while his wife 3.8 hectares.

Kannan elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha

Former Speaker P. Kannan was elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha after deadline for the withdrawal of nominations ended on Saturday at 3 p.m. Secretary, Legislative Assembly, M. Sivaprakasam, told The Hindu that he had communicated to the Election Commission that since there was no other valid nomination, Mr. Kannan, sponsored by the Congress, was declared elected.

The seat fell vacant following the election of V. Narayanasamy to the Lok Sabha.

He subsequently became Union Minister of State for Planning, Parliamentary Affairs and Culture.

Mr. Kannan will be the eighth prominent politician to represent the Union Territory in the Rajya Sabha.

The first election to the Rajya Sabha from the Union Territory was held in 1963 and Congress member P. Abraham won the seat.

Mr. Sivaprakasam handed over the certificate declaring his election to Mr. Kannan. Chief Minister V. Vaithilingam and Minister for Public Works M.O.H.F. Shahjahan were present.