Puducherry: BJP MLA John Kumar sworn in as minister

Puducherry, Jul 14 (PTI) BJP legislator A John Kumar was on Monday sworn in as minister in the AINRC-BJP coalition ministry in Puducherry.

He represents Kamaraj Nagar constituency in the Territorial Assembly.

Lieutenant Governor K Kailashnathan administered the oath of office and secrecy to Kumar in Tamil at a brief ceremony held in Raj Nivas. The portfolio would be known only in course of time, official sources said.

Puducherry Chief Secretary Sharat Chauhan earlier read out the notification issued by the Home Ministry on July 11 announcing the appointment of John Kumar as minister of Puducherry.

With Kumar's induction, the Rangasamy-led coalition ministry was restored to the strength of six.

Kumar was appointed to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Adi Dravidar Welfare Minister A K Sai J Saravanan on June 27.

Chief Minister N Rangasamy, Home Minister A Namassivayam, ministers, legislators belonging to the AINRC and BJP and the BJP party in charge Nirmal Kumar Surana were among those present during the swearing-in ceremony.

Sixty-year-old Kumar was earlier in the Congress and joined the BJP during the 2021 Assembly polls. PTI COR KH