No authority can bypass elected government to approach Centre for a probe: Pondy CM V Narayanasamy

He was referring to a letter written by "some authority" from the territorial administration to the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) to probe the alleged corrupt practices in procuring luxury boats for the tourism department in the Union Territory in 2015.

Addressing reporters, Narayanasamy said, "Some authority from the administration had written to the CVC seeking an enquiry into alleged corrupt practices in procuring two boats for the Tourism department during the previous AINRC rule here."

"The administration has now received a letter from the CVC seeking an explanation in the wake of the complaint... We will send appropriate reply to them," he said, refusing to elaborate on the identity of the authority.

When mediapersons insisted on knowing the identity, he only said, "Someone from the administration has written the letter.. nothing more can be said now as everything would become clear in due course of time."

He contended that whatever lapse or irregularity committed in the purchase of boats should be first brought to the minister concerned or the Secretary of Tourism department in the present administration for a departmental level inquiry.

Narayanasamy further said, "Instead of adopting the procedural practice of drawing the attention of local government, writing a letter directly to the CVC for a probe is a breach of set rules and procedures."

"No authority in Puducherry can bypass the elected government and approach the Centre for a probe," he added.

The Narayanasamy-led Congress government in Puducherry has been engaged in a war of words with Lt Governor Kiran Bedi over a host of issues.