Recently we saw a new debate between the Puducherry Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy and Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi. Since 2016, the Union Territory of Puducherry was ruled by Narayansamy-led Congress government, and from 2011 to 2016, N.R. Rangaswamy-led All India NR Congress government.
Puducherry Chief Minister (CM) V. Narayanasamy staged a three-day protest against Lieutenant Governor (LG) Kiran Bedi. The CM accused LG of “functioning in an autocratic manner” and adopting an “obstructionist attitude” in ensuring the progress and welfare of people and asked the Centre for the recall of the Lt Governor.
Whereas, LG defended herself by stating that the Lt Governor’s secretariat is ensuring just, fair and accessible administration, within the legal limits.
The delay is primarily due to the incomplete delimitation process in the past several years. The matter has reached the Madras High Court and the Supreme Court, but there has been no conclusion until now.
Political commentators have said that the main reason of tussle is the alleged clash of ego between the CM and the L-G.
The CM believes that the L-G wants to topple the government. Experts said that the Assembly cannot appoint the SEC and only the L-G can appoint the SEC.
Moreover, there is also a tussle going on between the government and the L-G.
The government wants to distribute free rice to Puducherry residents, whereas the L-G suggested transferring cash to the people in order to curtail leakage in the public distribution system.
Expert said that the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) would help to check leakage in the system, but the Congress government is opposing it because it was the main poll plank in 2016.
It is true that both the institutions are not cooperating with each other and they should come to the table and sort out the differences for the welfare of people, experts said.
The Assembly elections are likely in April or May. The protest of CM leading the protest against the Lt Governor was seen as an act of political mobilisation.
Experts opine that LG should also take into account the legitimate requirements of an elected government and try to accommodate Mr. Narayanaswamy’s views on important matters such as the free rice scheme.
Even the Centre itself did not see any benefit in the DBT mode when it decided to give additional food grains (rice or wheat) free of during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now the responsibility lies with the Centre to step in and restore the breakdown of communication between the Lt Governor and the Chief Minister in the interest of smooth administration.
