There was hectic competition between Narayanasamy and PCC president A Namassivayam, who was elected for a second consecutive term, for the post of Chief Minister. This was made evident after supporters of Narayansamy’s opponents’ camps began raising slogans against the decision soon after it was announced.
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The decision to name Narayanasamy as the chief minister came after the party held a legislature meeting, comprising senior party leaders including the former Chief Ministers of Delhi and Puducherry Sheila Dikshit and V Vaithilingam respectively.
Briefing the media after the Congress legislature Party meeting, Mrs. Shiela Dikshit said, the decision was unanimous. The party leadership feared backlash from either of the internal camps if Namachivayam or Vaithilingam would had been appointed as chief minister. A few passengers and staff of the buses sustained minor injuries.
The state party leaders had earlier been to Delhi to consult with the party high command on the choice of Chief Minister.
The Congress, which fought the 16 May elections in alliance with the DMK, won 15 seats in the 30 member assembly. Police had to lathicharge many proetsters but even a news photographer was injured.
They alleged that Narayanasamy was not in the race for CM as per his own admissions and had now worked behind the scenes to ensure that he was elected unopposed.
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Narayanasamy told reporters that he would consult party legislators and the high command regarding the next step to be taken.
