Bedi interfering in functioning of elected government: CM Narayanasamy

Speaking to reporters, Narayanasamy said she had recently written to the Central Vigilance Commission for a probe into alleged irregularities in purchase of two luxury boats for the Boat House of Puducherry Tourism Development Corporation in 2015.

He said Bedi had claimed she had written the letter on the ground that she had quasi-judicial powers under Rule 44 of the Rules of Business of the Puducherry government. 

“Where is the room for a quasi-judicial authority on an issue which ought to have been brought first to the notice of the Chief Minister or the concerned Minister of Department’s Secretary. Without bringing the matter to our notice, the Lieutenant Governor had written to the CVC,” he said. Narayanasamy said the CVC had sought a reply from the Chief Secretary on the matter and added that the government would ‘strongly protest and write an appropriate letter to the CVC.’

The Chief Minister pointed out that he had already stated some days back that no authority in the administration can bypass the elected government and rush to the Centre with a representation for a probe. 

Bedi, who assumed office in May last year, has been involved in tussles with the Congress government on a host of issues.