V. Vaithilingam

V. Vaithilingam (born October 5, 1950, Tamil வைத்தியலிங்கம்) is an Indian politician who is the former Chief Minister of Pondicherry. He held that position from 1991 to 1996 and has been Chief Minister again from 2008-2011. Vaithilingam is credited with leading a stable and efficient government in Pondicherry State through a complete five year term during his prior period in office. He is a senior legislator serving six consecutive terms.

He belongs to one the most politically influential families. His paternal grandfather late Vaithilinga Reddiar was the Mayor of Nettappakkam commune during the French rule in Pondicherry. His father V. Venkatasubha Reddiar who was also Chief Minister during different periods. However Vaithilingam by nature was a reformist and a dynamic leader with constructive views for the development of his State and with such laudable views he headed the Pondicherry Government from 1991 to 1996 and the Congress Legislative party from 1991 to 2000. His priorities as Chief Minister was to minimize budget deficit, increase private sector participation in public transport, improve health care system. In the history of Pondicherry State even though he was the second youngest Chief Minister, the annals of History will declare Vaithilingam as the first youngest Chief Minister who has served the full five year term at the age of 41.

Early life

Born in Cuddalore, and raised in rural Madukarai, Pondicherry, Vaithilingam went to Loyola College in Chennai for a time and later went to Madukkarai to take care of his family farms. In 1969, Vaithilingam got married to Miss Sasikala (born 1954), the daughter of Dr.Sambasivam who rendered yeoman services to Pondicherry in the position of Director of Medical services, later on. From his very early age, he developed exceptional leadership skills, an example of which was his role as the Chairman of Land Development Bank of Pondicherry State.

Political career

In 1980, at the age of 30 ran for the Legislative Assembly and lost with a narrow margin of 90 odd votes. In 1985, Vaithilingam won to become Public Works and Power Minister. He became a leading figure among the Congress Party members. He advocated smaller government and greater participation of private sector. Vaithilingam projected an image as highly sympathetic to the concerns of ordinary people. This ensured his return and advance in power to become the Chief Minister in 1991. In addition to his political skills, Vaithilingam also benefited from a very skillful management of the economy and the liberalization policies followed by Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao. He advocated increased private sector participation in public road transport. His Cabinet consisted the following team players.

• C.M. Asraf
• Chandrahasu
• Gandhiraj
• Anandha Baskaran Chettiar
• N. Rangaswamy

Comeback

He did have his share of critics: Vaithilingam was charged with an attempt to corrupt a fellow legislature.^[1] Although he was acquitted on all charges, Vaithilingam lost his leadership of the Congress Legislative party in 2000. Despite occasional political troubles, Vaithilingam has maintained his popularity with masses of Pondicherry. He was for the sixth time elected to the legislature and served as Industries and Power Minister. Like his father he is gentle in nature, quite unruffled even in the face of high political turmoil. He was elected to lead the Congress Legislative Party on 28 August 2008 and was sworn in as Chief Minister, replacing N. Rangaswamy, on 4 September.^[2]

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