AINRC president and Chief Minister N. Rangasamy faced tough questions from a group of women voters on Tuesday during his campaign in Mangalam. They demanded to know why the government had failed to supply free rice through retail outlets.
The women laid siege to the vehicle of the Chief Minister at Ariyapalayam and sought to know why the scheme for rice was suspended in favour of cash to the beneficiaries.
Pacifying them, Mr. Rangasamy said over 4000 metric tons of rice had been allotted to the Union Territory of Puducherry and people were ready to buy only 400 metric tons while the remaining 3600 metric tons were not utilised. Under these circumstances, it was decided to credit cash in lieu of rice to the beneficiaries, he said.
Mr. Rangasamy campaigned in several villages of Mangalam constituency for his party candidate S.V. Sugumaran. Speaking on the occasion, he recalled that how his party captured power within two months of its launch and executed several welfare programmes during the last five years. Listing out achievements of his government, Mr. Rangasamy said 50 per cent concession was granted to women during registration of the land documents.
Security of women
Stating that his government distributed free mixers and grinders to the beneficiaries in spite of severe financial constraints, he said safety and security of women in the UT would continue to be paramount priorities if elected back to power.
Mr. Rangasamy also promised supply of wheat through retail outlets of public distribution system (PDS). In an apparent rebuttal of allegations of favouritism, Mr. Rangasamy said while over 7,000 persons were engaged in several government departments , none of them was known to him. Pointing out that over 3,500 persons were disengaged from service following instruction of Election Commission of India, Mr. Rangasamy said they would be re-engaged if his party was voted to power.
Women laid siege to CM’s vehicle demanding reason for suspension of the scheme
