58 year old Vaithilingam has become new CM of Puducherry; it is his second tenure as Union Territory's CM. Lt Governor Govind Singh Gurjar administered the oath of office and secrecy to Vaithilingam and others. Along with chief minister, five other members of the cabinet took oath in the function held in Governor's house.

 

The five members in the cabinet are E Valsaraj, M Kandasamy, Malladi Krishna Rao, M O H F Shahjahan. Ironically enough, all these members were in the previous government of Rangasamy. Fifth minister who took oath was A Namassivayam. He too has been a minister. Ex-Industries and Power Minister Vaithilingam became chief minister after the resignation of ex-CM N Rangasamy.

 

N Rangasamy was in political quagmire in the month of August when majority of 10 Congress legislators revolted against him. Vaithilingam who represents rural constituency Nettapakkam came up with support of majority legislators and formed the government. Vaithilingam has already run a stable government in Pondicherry between the years 1991 and 1996.