Puducherry, June 10 (IANS) The long-awaited expansion of the Puducherry Council of Ministers is set to take place on June 17, paving the way for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government led by Chief Minister N. Rangasamy to attain its full strength and begin the allocation of portfolios ahead of the presentation of the Union Territory’s annual budget.

The expansion follows approval from President Droupadi Murmu for the appointment of three legislators as ministers.

Acting on the recommendation of Chief Minister Rangasamy, the President has cleared the induction of P. Rajavelu and V.P. Sivakolundhu of the All India N.R. Congress (AINRC), along with BJP MLA G.N.S. Rajasekaran.

According to a release from the Chief Minister’s Office, Lt Governor K. Kailashnathan will administer the oath of office and secrecy to the new ministers at a ceremony scheduled for 9.45 a.m. on June 17.

Their appointments will take effect from the date of swearing-in.

The cabinet expansion marks a significant political development nearly a month after the NDA retained power in the 2026 Assembly elections. The alliance secured 18 of the 30 seats in the Assembly, enabling Rangasamy to return as Chief Minister. He was sworn in on May 13, along with BJP leader A. Namassivayam and senior AINRC leader Malladi Krishna Rao.

However, ministerial portfolios have remained unallocated pending the completion of the cabinet formation process.

Both Rajavelu and Sivakolundhu are experienced legislators with previous stints in key constitutional positions. Rajavelu has earlier served as Deputy Speaker and minister, while Sivakolundhu was Speaker of the Assembly during the Congress-led government headed by former Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy.

Rajasekaran, who represents the Karaikal constituency, will become a minister for the first time.

Political observers view his inclusion as a move aimed at ensuring representation for both the Scheduled Caste community and the Karaikal region in the cabinet.

With the induction of the three ministers, the Puducherry cabinet will reach its sanctioned strength. Government sources indicated that the allocation of portfolios is expected soon after the swearing-in ceremony.

Elections to the posts of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Assembly are also likely to be held shortly.

The cabinet expansion comes at a crucial juncture as the Union Territory prepares its full-fledged budget for the 2026-27 financial year. The budget proposal will require cabinet approval before being forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Earlier this year, the Assembly passed a Vote on Account of Rs 5,396 crore to meet government expenditure from April to August, pending the presentation of the full budget.

–IANS

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