Puducherry Assembly to be chaired for first time by Pro-tem Speaker
The Puducherry Legislative Assembly will hold a session chaired by a Pro-tem Speaker for the first time to pass the annual budget. This unusual step is necessary because the ruling NDA coalition has not yet reached an agreement on a permanent Speaker.
Why it matters
It highlights a political deadlock within the ruling coalition that threatens the administrative functioning and financial approval process of the Union Territory.
The Puducherry Legislative Assembly will be witness to an unprecedented legislative proceeding on August 24 when the business of the house, including the customary address of the Lieutenant Governor and presentation of the budget for 2026-27 will be chaired by a Pro-tem Speaker.
Following the constitution of new Assemblies after every election, a Pro-tem Speaker is appointed to administer oath to the newly-elected members and also to conduct the proceedings of the election of Speaker. After the National Democratic Alliance government returned to power in the Union Territory in the April Assembly elections, Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan on the recommendation of Chief Minister and AINRC founder N. Rangasamy appointed one of the senior most members A. Anbalagan, who represents the AIADMK, as the Pro-tem Speaker.
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