Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan administering oath to AIADMK legislator A. Anbalagan as Pro-tem Speaker of Puducherry Assembly in Lok Niwas on Monday.
| Photo Credit: S.S. KUMAR
All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) legislator A. Anbalagan was on Monday sworn in Pro-tem Speaker of Puducherry Legislative Assembly.The five-time legislator was administered the oath by Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan at a ceremony held at the Darbar Hall of Lok Niwas.Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, Ministers A. Namassivayam, Malladi Krishna Rao, newly elected legislators belonging to the All India N. R. Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, Latchiya Jananayaga Katchi, and Independents attended the ceremony.In the 2026 polls, Mr. Anbalagan won from the Ouppalam Assembly constituency defeating DMK’s Annibal Kennedy by a margin of over 3,000 votes. He had previously represented the constituency in 2001, 2006, 2011, and 2016.Later, accompanied by the Chief Minister, Ministers and legislators, including those belonging to DMK, Mr. Anbalagan assumed charge as the Pro-tem Speaker.He told media that the Assembly would be convened on Wednesday for the oath taking of MLAs-elect. The Pro-tem Speaker would administer the oath to all the legislators.Mr. Anbalagan said arrangements would be made for live streaming of the oath taking of the legislators.Minister takes chargeThe Legislature Party Leader of BJP A. Namassivayam, representing Mannadipet constituency, who was sworn in as Minister along with Chief Minister on May 13, assumed office on Monday.Though the portfolios are yet to be allocated, Mr. Namassivayam visited the office room that was allocated during the previous NDA government while handling Home, Education, Electricity, and Industries portfolio. Published - May 18, 2026 09:46 pm IST
