Rangasamy resigns as Puducherry CM

Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangsamy resigned today, bringing an end to the month-long political uncertainty following a revolt by his cabinet colleagues against his leadership.  

Rangasamy tendered his resignation to Lt Governor Govind Singh Gurjar at the Raj Nivas apparently on the directions from the Congress High Command.  

Gurjar later told reporters that Rangasamy had handed over his resignation, along with his council of ministers.  

The Lt Governor also said that he had asked Rangasamy to continue in office till alternative arrangements were made by the President, which would be known within two or three days.  

He said he was forwarding the letter to the President.  

Rangasamy was asked by the Congress High Command to step down as Chief Minister after he failed to muster majority among the party MLAs at the CLP meeting on Monday.  

The AICC has convened a meeting of the CLP today to elect a new leader.  

Earlier, Rangasamy said he was thankful to Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and leaders of alliance parties — CPI, DMK and PMK — for their sustained support to enable him evolve various development schemes.  

"The High Command was in touch with me since yesterday," he told reporters, adding that he will attend today's CLP meet.  

Rangasamy appealed to the people to maintain calm and assured that he would continue to strive hard for the development of the Congress in Puducherry.