The protest by Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy and his five ministers outside Lt. Governor Kiran Bedi’s official residence entered the second day on Thursday.
The Congress leader and his cabinet colleagues spent the Wednesday night on the road outside Raj Nivas. They slept on the road on a thick sheet and a blanket.
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The chief minister has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of encouraging Bedi to create problems for the Congress government in the Union Territory.
Narayanasamy began his protest on Wednesday, wearing a black shirt and black dhoti. He was protesting against Bedi for not permitting implementation of his government’s welfare schemes.
He was joined by his ministerial colleagues and DMK lawmakers.
Later, he thanked DMK chief MK Stalin for extending his support. “We are getting support not only from Tamil Nadu but all over the country,” the CM said.
Narayansamy has also accused Bedi of interfering in the day-to-day activities of the government and has asked the Centre to recall the LG.
“She (Kiran Bedi) has no power at all, she has to only be a post office and sign papers which have been sent by the council of ministers, she has no right to touch cabinet decisions, she is vetoing decisions,” Narayanasamy said.
His protest came after Bedi hit the road two days ago and advised two-wheeler owners to wear helmets.
While Bedi wanted the helmet rule for two-wheeler riders to be implemented at one go, Narayanasamy wanted the implementation in phases.
On her part, Bedi on Wednesday evening wrote to Narayanasamy inviting him for a meeting on February 21.
Bedi, in her letter to Narayanasamy, said: “All matters you had mentioned in the letter need an examination for a considered response. Needless to say, none of the issues are pending at Raj Nivas (as is being alleged). Besides, you never said in your letter that unless you get a reply by February 13, you and your colleagues shall come and sit on a dharna outside.”
“However, I invite you for a detailed discussion on your matters on February 21 at 10 a.m. Please confirm,” Bedi said.
With Narayanasamy and other ministers continuing their protest, security has been beefed up here.
Police have barricaded Raj Nivas and the surrounding streets to prevent unauthorized persons from entering the protesting area.
(With agency inputs)
