L-G hits back at Pondy CM for questioning her powers

Bedi, who has been having a running battle with the Congress government here, was reacting to Narayanasamy’s remarks that she had been issuing instructions to officials during her field visits “without authority”.

In a message to the media, Bedi said by making such regular negative statements about the responsibilities and accountability of the Lt Governor’s office, the Chief Minister “is always hurting speed of progress of Puducherry.”

Narayanasamy had also said officials need not listen to Bedi’s instructions.

Bedi said, “If progress has been his interest then he would not make such statements.”

The former IPS officer said the responsibilities of the office of the Lt Governor were clearly laid down under the law and the rules, and anyone want to know them they may read them.

She further cited the recent judgment of the Supreme Court on the tussle between Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Lt Governor Anil Baijal and said judges in the apex court had said the verdict does not apply to Puducherry.

Bedi said she has so far spent more than 26 months as Lt Governor of Puducherry, which would have emerged on top among the union territories on all parameters if the Chief Minister had not hindered the collective efforts.

She said, “Whatever orders were issued were from the office of the Lieutenant Governor, not my orders.”

Narayanasamy had on Sunday said, of late Lt Governor Bedi had been issuing warnings through social media to officers and intimidating them that stern action would be taken if they were found wanting in implementation of Central schemes like Swachh Bharath Abhiyan in the Union Territory.