Puducherry Lt Governor Tamilisai Soundararjan on Thursday ordered a floor test for the Congress government in the union territory on February 22, to ascertain whether it has majority in the wake of a spate of resignations by the ruling party MLAs that has reduced its strength to 14.

The strength of both the ruling and opposition camps stand at 14 in the 33-member house, including three nominated legislators of the BJP. The assembly has five vacancies.

Congress' own strength is ten, including the Speaker, while its ally DMK has three members. An independent also supports the government.

Soundararajan's direction to Chief Minister V Narayansamy came after the opposition, led by Leader of the Opposition in the assembly and AINRC chief N Rangasamy, "reiterated" its stand that the government has to prove its majority on the floor of the House, a release from the Lt. Governor's Secretariat here said.

The Lt Governor has conveyed to Narayanasamy that the Assembly will meet on Monday and be confined to a "single agenda, namely whether the government of the incumbent Chief Minister continues to enjoy the confidence of the House," it said.

Voting shall take place by show of hands and the entire proceedings be videographed, it said.

"The floor test in pursuance of the above directions shall be concluded by 5 pm on 22.02.2021 and the proceedings shall not be adjourned/delayed or suspended at any cost," it said.

Soundararajan on Thursday assumed additional charge of the union territory of Puducherry and said she will function as a "people's Governor" and according to the Constitution.

She said she had not come to Puducherry with any ulterior motive but to serve the people.

The fifth woman to be appointed Lt Governor of the Union Territory, Soundararajan was sworn in at a simple function at the Raj Nivas where she took oath in Tamil.

Chief Justice of the Madras High Court Sanjib Banerjee administered the oath of office to Soundararajan, who hails from nearby Tamil Nadu.

Later, addressing reporters, she said "I know what are the powers of a Governor, powers of Lt Governor and Chief Minister, of elected members and officers."

She would function as a "people's governor."

"There would be no obstacles between me and the people. I will pursue every issue thoroughly and serve the people," Soundararajan said.

The new Lt Governor said she was glad she had been given the opportunity to serve the people of Puducherry and would address their concerns.

She succeeds Kiran Bedi, who was removed as Lt Governor of Puducherry in a sudden move on Tuesday.