Pondy CM urged to work with Centre

Addressing reporters here, the leader of the legislature wing of the AIADMK, A Anbalagan said, “now that the BJP-led NDA has romped home for second successive term to form the government under leadership of Narendra Modi at the Centre, the Puducherry government should concentrate on development of Union Territory.” He said only through cordial relations with the Centre could Puducherry make progress and bring the fruits of various welfare schemes to the people.

The newly elected Congress MP V Vaithilingam should also ensure that the demands raised by the Chief Minister for Statehood for Puducherry, inclusion of the Union Territory in the Central Finance Commission and generation of jobs for the youth during poll campaigns were taken up with the Centre, he added.

Referring to the tussle between Narayanasamy and Lt Governor Kiran Bedi, he said, “All these three years the Congress had locked horns with the Lt Governor and also with the Centre which did not help Puducherry in any manner.”

Taking strong exception to the 4.5 per cent rise in power tariff announced for consumers in the UT, Anbalagan said the increase should be revoked.