Kiran Bedi, Pondy CM strike truce over Tamil

However, the brief friendliness also had its share of sledging at the inaugural of the 53rd annual Kamban Vizha. The unusual scene started after Bedi asked the Chief Minister in no uncertain terms that he should translate “only what I say”. To this, Narayanasamy said he could not “guarantee it.” Bedi then said, “I trust you just for 10 minutes and it is only a temporary friendship.” 

Narayanasamy responded saying he wished for a “permanent friendship” and began translating Bedi’s speech.

Earlier in the day, as soon as Bedi went up to the dais to speak, she wanted to ascertain how many people would be able to understand her speech as it would be in English. Education Minister R Kamalakannan initially volunteered to translate her address into Tamil. But, Bedi expressed her wish that “my Chief Minister should translate into Tamil what I say in English”. Responding to her request, Narayanasamy came forward to translate her speech.

This left scholars and delegates in attendance at the event surprised as the two leaders have often criticised the other. She also praised Narayanasamy and said she was glad he “possesses good knowledge of not only Tamil but English, Hindi and French.” “This versatility of Narayanasamy is his strength,” she said to thunderous applause.