Blow to Congress as CM V Narayanasamy's government in Puducherry loses majority ahead of polls

In yet another blow to the Congress, Chief Minister V Narayanasamy's government in Puducherry slipped into minority months ahead of polls. The Congress government lost the majority after four MLAs resigned in the past two days.

Congress had 15 members in 30-member Puducherry Assembly and along with the DMK's two, the party was just ahead of the majority mark of 16.

After the resignations of four MLAs, the Congress now has 11 lawmakers in Puducherry Assembly.

It is to be noted that the four Congress MLAs resigned just before Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's visit to Puducherry on Wednesday (February 17). This is Rahul Gnadhi's first visit to Puducheery since the party formed the government in the Union Territory.

Out of the four MLAs, two resigned on January 25, one on Monday (February 15) and one left the party on Tuesday (February 16).

Notably, elections are due in Puducherry and Tamil Nadu in May.

In 2016 election, the Congress had won 14 assembly seats, including the Speaker. The Congress formed the government with the support of the DMK and an Independent.

In Puducherry Assembly, the AIADMK has four MLAs, the AINRC has seven and there are three nominated members of the BJP.