Signalling an imminent showdown between the Congress-led Government and the Raj Nivas, Puducherry Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy on Sunday made it clear that the recent transfer of a municipal commissioner based on a ruling by the Assembly Speaker would remain in force despite Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi’s move to overturn it.
Against the backdrop of Lt. Governor directing the Chief Secretary Manoj Parida to reinstate Puducherry Municipality Commissioner R. Chandirasekaran, the Chief Minister, at a hurriedly convened press conference, said his government was duty-bound to implement the order issued by Speaker V. Vaithilingam. On Thursday, the Speaker directed the government to transfer the Commissioner and place him on compulsory wait till the Privileges Committee disposed of a complaint filed against him by AIADMK legislator A. Baskar.
“The government is duty-bound to implement a ruling given by the Speaker. I issued the order to transfer the officer as failure to do so would have landed even me in jail,” Mr. Narayanasamy said.
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On reports about Ms. Bedi initiating action against Chief Secretary for executing the transfer, he said: “I accept the responsibility for the decision. It is not the responsibility of the Chief Secretary,” he said.
Mr. Narayanasamy said as per 47 (2) of Business Rules, the Lieutenant Governor had to consult him before taking any decision.
The Chief Minister said he had apprised Prime Minister and Home Minister about the proceedings of the Legislative Assembly leading to the transfer of the officer.
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Bedi unrelenting
Meanwhile, in a statement, the Lt. Governor said the Chief Minister was taking responsibility for the transfer order of Municipal Commissioner because he now knew that the official was vulnerable to action for violation of rules.
“And the CS has done so despite my clear warning through email one day before he issued the orders,” Ms. Bedi said.