Puducherry: Protest against Kiran Bedi continues for second day

Puducherry: Escalating the fight with Lt Governor Kiran Bedi, the ruling Congress party hit the streets against Ms Bedi for the second consecutive day. Congress party workers observed a fast on the Anglo-French Textiles ground on Friday  demanding the removal of Ms Bedi from the post of Lt Governor. Though the Congress never organised any public agitations against the Lt Governor so far the decision of the BJP-led government at the Centre to nominate three BJP members to the Legislative Assembly and the action of Ms Bedi to administer them oath of office without informing the government angered the Congress party following which the party leadership decided to organise public protest against Ms Bedi.

PCC president and PWD minister A. Namasivayam made it clear that the party will organise protests till Ms Bedi is removed from the post. PCC President and PWD Minister A Namasivayam, Revenue Minister M O H F Shajahan, Welfare Minister M. Kandasamy, Deputy Speaker Sivakozhunthu, legislators besides party cadres from Mannadipet, Indira Nagar and Nellithoppe took part in the fast.

The Congress will strengthen the protest against Ms Bedi, who does not respect the law and order and elected government. The party will not rest till the recall of the Lt Governor and accordingly, fasts will be observed at different places in the days ahead, said a senior Congress leader. Four political parties and 24 Tamil outfits had already called for a bandh on Saturday to condemn the Centre’s decision.

Other political parties, including Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, the Communist Party of India, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi are also conducting various protests against the Lt Governor in the Union Territory.