Speaker: Lt Governor, just an administrator

Talking to media persons here, Vaithilingam said “the post of the Lt Governor is not a constitutional post and only the administrator of this Union Territory.” 

“Bedi expressing views in social media will reach her followers only,” the Speaker said adding that criticism is her ‘nature’ and it need not be considered. The people welfare schemes were being implemented in Puducherry as usual, he added.

In another development, the Speaker directed the DGP Sunil Goutham to give in writing the action taken against R Chandrasekaran, Municipal Commissioner, who has been at the centre of the ongoing crisis in the Union Territory. 

Earlier, the Speaker had directed the DGP to initiate action on the issue of Chandrasekaran, who was placed under compulsory wait resuming duty on Monday. The DGP was told to report to the Speaker by Wednesday. DGP Goutham along with the SSP Rajiv Ranjan apprised the Speaker of the action taken in the issue orally. “I have asked them to give the action taken in writing,” Vaithilingam said. 

When asked whether he would protect the chief secretary who implemented his order to keep Chandrasekaran under compulsory wait, if action was initiated against him, Vaithilingam said “you could see if such a situation arise.” 

“The privileges committee is an independent body. The committee will enquire into the complaints and give its ruling and either the Assembly or the Speaker would take action based on the ruling,” he said.