S Chandira Priyanga, Puducherry's Only Woman Minister Resigns

Puducherry's only female legislator and minister, S Chandira Priyanga, submitted her resignation from the AINRC-BJP coalition cabinet yesterday, October 10.

She cited issues such as conspiracy and financial influence in politics, along with the challenges of caste discrimination and gender bias as reasons for her decision.

Priyanga's Resignation Letter

The minister resigned from her position and delivered her resignation letter through her Secretary to the Chief Minister's office. Officials in the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) have acknowledged the receipt of the letter. The letter is under consideration by the Chief Minister and is yet to be accepted by the same. A copy of her resignation letter has also been made available to the media.

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— Chandirapriyanga (@SPriyanga_offl) October 10, 2023

In her letter, Priyanga talks about her struggle with conspiracy politics and how money takes over everything in the game of politics. She also talks about her fight against casteism and gender bias. She alleged that she was targeted continuously.

Furthermore, she thanked the people of her constituency for giving her a chance to serve them. She went on to apologise to her people and said that she will continue to serve them as their legislator.

Who Is S Chandira Priyanga?

In 2021, the legislator from Nedungadu, Priyanga, achieved the distinction of becoming the first woman to be appointed as a minister in the union territory after more than four decades. She was entrusted with the Transport portfolio in the coalition cabinet led by N Rangasamy. Additionally, she held responsibilities for the Housing and Labour and Employment portfolios, among others.

Priyanga secured her seat from the reserved constituency of Nedungadu in Karaikal in the 2021 Assembly elections, running as an AINRC candidate for a second consecutive term. 

The 32-year-old AINRC MLA hails from Kottucherry and received her primary education in Karaikal. She completed her Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree at Annamalai University.

The daughter of the former Puducherry minister, M. Chandirakasu, Priyanga also appeared in a short film titled 'Jhansi' in 2019.

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