Puducherry CM takes potshots at Lt Guv Kiran Bedi

In his message to the people on the eve of the 70th Republic Day, the chief minister said he would not be cowed down by any obstacles in implementing welfare schemes.

“I would dismantle all the obstacles in the larger interest of development of Puducherry and for welfare of the people on the basis of the rights conferred on me” by the Constitution in administering the union territory, he said.

He said the privilege to unfurl the National Flag on the solemn occasion of Republic Day was not a revelation of the power and authority but availability of an opportunity to serve the people.

“It is the duty of all to bear in mind that the Indian Constitution is the `Veda` of the country and all should respect and function in consonance with it,” he added.

Bedi will unfurl the tricolour at the Republic Day celebrations here on Saturday. The Lt Governor and Narayanasamy government had been at loggerhead over various issues. The chief minister had accused Bedi of acting against the decisions of the elected government, a charge rejected by the Lt Governor.

Narayanasamy also alleged that the BJP is intending to tamper the Electronic Voting machines (EVMs) and win the elections.

Addressing newspersons after flagging off a Dengue awareness rally undertaken by students in his Nellithoppe constituency here, the Chief Minister said all political parties are of the view that EVMs should not be used in the elections.