Puducherry's only woman minister resigned, said- 'I was fed up with conspiracy and gender bias'

Puducherry's only woman MLA and minister S Chandira Priyanga on Tuesday tendered her resignation from the AINRC-BJP coalition cabinet, alleging conspiracy and money power politics besides facing casteism and gender bias.

In 2021, Nedunkadu MLA was the first woman to become a minister in the Union Territory after more than 40 years. He was then given the transport portfolio in the coalition cabinet led by N Ranagasamy. Chandira Priyanga was elected from the Nedunkadu reserved constituency in Karaikal on the AINRC ticket for a consecutive term in the 2021 assembly elections.

On Tuesday, Chandira Priyanga resigned as minister and submitted her resignation letter to the Chief Minister's office through her secretary. Sources in the CMO confirmed receipt of the letter and said it has been sent to the Chief Minister to take a decision on the matter.

A copy of his resignation letter was distributed in the media. She said in her letter that she reached the Assembly because of her popularity among the people in her constituency, but she realized that it is not so easy to overcome the politics of conspiracy and I cannot fight against the big ghost of money power. "

She realized that she was a victim of racism and gender bias. "I too was constantly targeted and found that I could no longer tolerate the politics of conspiracy and the big specter of money power beyond a certain limit," she said.

Chandira Priyanga said she will soon come out with a detailed report detailing what changes, and reforms I have brought about in the departments I was looking after as minister. She also held the Housing Labor and Employment departments. She said that she is grateful to the people of her constituency.

Chandira Priyanga said, "I realize that I cannot continue fighting the influential forces and hence I have quit the ministerial post. I apologize to the people of my constituency, but I assure that I will fight for the constituency as MLA. Will continue to serve."

Earlier thanking the CM for accommodating him as a minister, he requested Ranagasamy to fill the vacancy arising after his resignation by inducting any MLA belonging to Vanniyar, Dalit, or minority communities.

Furthermore, any person aspiring to become a minister on the basis of money power, or influence should not be made his successor, as this would result in injustice to the Vanniyar or Dalit communities. He also requested the Chief Minister to ensure that all the welfare measures of the government are implemented in his constituency without any hindrance.