Puducherry, July 11 (PTI) The Union Home Ministry on Friday issued a notification appointing BJP legislator A John Kumar as a Minister in the AINRC-BJP coalition government headed by Chief Minister N Rangasamy in Puducherry.
The notification, addressed to Sharat Chauhan, the Chief Secretary of the Puducherry government, stated that the Home Ministry had approved John Kumar’s appointment.
He currently represents the Kamaraj Nagar constituency in the Puducherry Legislative Assembly and has been serving as Parliamentary Secretary to the Chief Minister.
Kumar's appointment fills the vacancy created by the resignation of BJP MLA A K Sai J Saravanan from the Cabinet on June 27.
Though Saravanan stepped down as Minister, he continues to serve as an MLA. He previously held the portfolio of Adi Dravidar Welfare.
With the acceptance of Saravanan’s resignation and the induction of John Kumar, the strength of the Rangasamy-led coalition ministry has been restored to six.
According to official sources, John Kumar will be sworn in as Minister on July 14.