Abrupt end to Puducherry assembly session; Centre yet to clear

In an unusual development, the Puducherry assembly was today adjourned sine die on the second day of its budget session with the debate on the motion of thanks for the Lt Governor's address remaining inconclusive.

Deputy Speaker V P Sivakolundhu announced the adjournment of the assembly sine die after a few MLAs spoke on the motion, but did not cite the reason for the abrupt end to the session.

It was expected that the debate would conclude with Chief Minister V Narayanasamy's reply today.

Official sources said a few more MLAs would speak when the House is reconvened in course of time.

Earlier, Narayanasamy said the Puducherry budget for 2018-19 was yet to be cleared by the central government.

He made the remarks before the House resumed the debate this morning on the motion of thanks to Puducherry Lt Governor Kiran Bedi's address delivered on March 26.

During the debate, some of the MLAs made critical comments against the Lt Governor and objected to her "intervention in the routine administration".

Narayanaswamy said his government was unable to announce the date of presentation of the budget as it was yet to be approved by the Union Home Ministry.

Replying to a question by AIADMK member A Anbalagan on the matter, he said the draft budget, sent to the Home Ministry about one-and-half months ago, was subsequently forwarded to the Finance Ministry for its consideration.

Certain clarifications sought by the Finance Ministry were given by the UT administration following which the draft had been sent back to the Home Ministry, Narayanaswamy said.

The chief minister said he was proceeding to New Delhi tomorrow to hold talks with the Union Home Minister and officials forimmediate clearance of the budget.

The assembly had on March 26 adopted a Vote on Account Bill earmarking funds for the first four months (April to July) of the current fiscal.