Chennai, May 28: The Congress in Puducherry took nearly ten days after winning the Assembly elections to choose the chief minister. But that has not prevented an ugly spat from breaking out as supporters of a losing candidate resorted to violence after V. Narayanasamy, a former Union minister, was chosen as the legislative party leader.

Narayanasamy, 68, who did not contest the election, threw his hat into the ring at the last minute even as two MLAs - Pradesh Congress secretary A. Namassivayam and former chief minister V. Vaithilingam - emerged the main contenders. This had led to a standoff in the state unit, delaying the swearing-in of the new government.

Finally, the contending trio were summoned to Delhi where they were told that Narayanasamy was the high command's choice.

Subsequently, the party's central observers, Sheila Dikshit and Mukul Wasnik, reached Puducherry on Saturday morning to oversee the CLP meeting. At the meeting, Namassivayam and Vaithilingam were made to propose Narayanasamy's name for the CLP leader's post.

The two observers announced the result and drove out of a holiday resort on East Coast Road, just outside Puducherry town. Since the news had leaked, supporters of Namassivayam blocked their car shouting slogans and demanding that their leader be announced as the chief minister. The police managed to clear the way and the Congress leaders returned to Chennai later in the day.

Even as the Congress MLAs were buttonholed at the resort, Namassivayam's supporters went on the rampage, blocking traffic and stoning government buses. It took the police over two hours to restore normality.

The Congress's win - its only solace on May 19 when the results of the recent round of Assembly elections in five states were declared - is credited to Namassivayam as he had managed to wean the Vanniyar votes away from former chief minister N. Rangasamy.

Rangasamy had earlier split the state unit, formed his own party and won the 2011 Assembly elections.

"Narayanasamy, who is not even an MLA, had initially claimed he was not in the race but had worked for the top job behind the scenes. The Congress is in a pathetic state only because Delhi imposes its choice without listening to the voices of the cadres. They have done it again in Puducherry and it will only undermine the stability of the new government," cautioned a senior Congress MLA.

Narayanasamy's next hurdle would be to find an MLA to quit his seat so he can become an MLA by contesting a by-election. Having taken the Delhi route to become chief minister, he may have to keep looking over his shoulder to ensure the flock stays with him.

The Congress has 15 MLAs and the support of two DMK legislators in the 30-member House.