Puducherry: Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy and his ministerial colleagues continued their dharna outside the Raj Nivas for the second day on Thursday protesting Lt Governor Kiran Bedi's “negative stand” towards his government’s proposals awaiting her approval.
The Chief Minister wearing a black shirt and black dhoti spent the whole night outside Raj Nivas sleeping on the pavement along with ministers and MLAs.
Asserting that their protest would continue till government proposals were cleared, the Chief Minister said, “Even if it is not possible to immediately concede all the 39 pleas, the Lt Governor can give her nod to some of the important schemes including the free rice scheme and grants.”
“Who gave her (Bedi) power to direct the government in matters of appointment of officers. Even when the government is seeking action against particular officers she will not follow if the officers are her favorite.” alleged the Chief Minister.
The Chief Minister reiterated his stand on helmet rule issue and said it can be implemented in a phased manner. “Instead of waiting for my response to your letter you have instead come to Raj Nivas demanding a reply in this unlawful manner,” said Ms Bedi in her letter.
Ms Bedi said that the matter discussed in the letter need examination for a response and invited the Chief Minister for a detailed discussion on February 21 at 10 am at Raj Nivas. She left for New Delhi early on Thursday morning under tight security of the Rapid Action Force (RAF).
Recalling an earlier occasion when he met late Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, he said, “at one point some people thought that there has been some misunderstanding between the late respected leader Amma and me but it was not so. When I came she gave me such a loving reception - such a loving treatment like a younger brother. Often media jumps the gun but they don’t realise that Prime Minister Modi and Amma had very close relationship. I am sure, going forward all of us will work together to serve the people of Tamil Nadu.” On his visit to the metro, he said, he had come to discuss with party leaders and friends on how the BJP will proceed in the elections. The BJP and its leaders believe in Sabka saath sabka vikas (collective efforts, inclusive growth) and were striving for the betterment of farmers, poor and middle class.
Mr. Modi wanted a better future for our youth and women of the country. “And therefore we want Tamil Nadu voice to be heard in New Delhi and people of Tamil Nadu to be represented in the next government that Prime Minister Modi will once again form after the elections in May this year,” he said.
The BJP would work for the victory of “our candidates” so that the voice of TN becomes a bigger part of the government led by Mr. Modi, he said and added “we will work along with our friends in TN to give a good election result to strengthen the hands of the PM.”
