Congress awaiting AIADMK reply

By Our Staff Reporter

PONDICHERRY OCT. 29. The Congress is awaiting a reply from the AIADMK on joining the coalition ministry in Pondicherry. Mr. N. Rangasamy alone has assumed office as Chief Minister. The names of incumbents of allies would be finalised, according to the PCC leader, Mr. V. Narayanasamy, who is expediting the formation of a full-fledged Government.

The PMC a new-found ally of the Congress and having four members, would find a berth. The total strength of the Cabinet here is six including Chief Minister.

Within the Congress there are four aspirants for ministership. They stake the claims on the basis of their seniority and of their having served as ministers. The Congress would also not let itself be pounded by the Opposition, without providing representation to a member from a reserved constituency. In fact, with the PMC shifting its support to the Congress, there are five members from reserved constituencies in the ruling front.

In the AIADMK, it appears, there are no two opinions on retaining party representation in the Ministry. The AIADMK with three members provided decisive support to the Congress in establishing a majority in the previous Government. The Congress was then short of the magic number of 16 in a House of 30 members. The TMC has two members and has been a close ally of the Congress.

Strictly speaking, foe-turned friends would form the new coalition, now that the Congress can show a collective strength of 22 in the Assembly, where the DMK-led NDA tally has been reduced to 8 from 14. Two Independents are also toeing the PMC line in extending support to the Congress.

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