Mindset of Puducherry officers has not changed despite SC verdict: CM

Citing the Supreme Court verdict on the power tussle between the AAP government and the Delhi L-G, Chief Minister V Narayanasamy today said "no change has taken place in the mindset of officers" of the Puducherry administration.

The chief minister's remark came after officers allegedly did not inform the government about Puducherry Lt Governor Kiran Bedi's visit to a school in Thavalakuppam village here today.

Government Whip R K R Anandaraman told the assembly that officers concerned did not inform Education Minister R Kamalakannan about Bedi's visit to inspect a playground in the Manavely constituency this evening. Anandaraman is the MLA from Manavely.

He claimed that the Secretary to Education and Director of Directorate of School Education had accompanied the Lt Governor during her visit, when the House was in session.

"This is an insult to the elected government as neither the education minister nor me, representing the Manavely constituency, have been informed of the visit of the Lt Governor for inspecting a school playground in Thavalakuppam village, within the constituency," Anandaraman said.

He said the government should call for an explanation from the officers, "lest he should be constrained to bring in a privilege issue against the officers".

The chief minister told the member that it appeared that even after the recent verdict of the Supreme Court the "mind set of Puducherry Union Territory officers has not changed".

Narayanasamy has been claiming that the July 4 Supreme Court verdict was applicable for Union Territory Puducherry also.

The chief minister has been at loggerheads with Lt Governor Bedi on several issues.

Narayanasamy told the House today that "all should function within the powers earmarked under the Constitution and Conduct of Business Rules without interfering in others' powers".

He told Anandaraman that he would ask the officials to meet him and explain to him about the visit of the Lt Governor.

Speaker V Vaithilingam said he would give his ruling after the officers presented the facts to the chief minister.

Health Minister Malladi Krishna Rao also said that let the matter be enquired first.

The apex court had held that Delhi Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Anil Baijal does not have independent decision-making powers, and is bound to act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers.

The judgement pronounced by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, who was heading a five judge Constitution bench, also held that the L-G cannot act as an "obstructionist".