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 and his father V. Venkatasubha Reddiar was also a Chief minister of Pondicherry. 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. He became Chief Minister at the age of 41. He was the second youngest Chief Minister and he is the only Chief Minister of Pondicherry who has served the full five-year term till date.