Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy has charged the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government with seeking to seize control of the Tamil Nadu government through the Governor Banwarilal Purohit.
Some of the State’s Ministers also appeared to be surrendering without resistance their power and privileges to the Governor, he told reporters on Saturday.
Terming it an unfortunate development in the State, Mr. Narayanasamy asked whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi would find it acceptable if President Ram Nath Kovind sidelined him and carried out a review of the work of Central Ministries.
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“How can there be a different approach between the Centre and the States depending on which party was in power?” Mr. Narayanasamy asked. Governors in BJP-ruled States have not resorted to such style of functioning, he pointed out.
“The Tamil Nadu government should not give up its Constitutional rights. People are closely watching the developments and would come out with a fitting reply to such affronts,” Mr. Narayanasamy said.
As for Puducherry government’s persistent troubles with the Lt. Governor, Mr. Narayanasamy said the Ministry had sent letters to the Prime Minister, Union Home Ministry to emphasise the rights of the elected government in the wake of intervention by Ms. Bedi.
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But nothing had been heard from the Centre so far. The only alternative available was to knock at the doors of the court. Ms. Bedi had been frequently embarrassing the officers by convening meetings, finding fault with their performance. This only showed that she was crossing the limits, he added.
Mr. Narayanasamy said that he had written to the Prime Minister several times seeking appointment with him. Although more than four months had passed there had been no response from the Centre. While Mr. Modi had time to meet the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, the Chief Minister of Puducherry had been ignored.