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Much like Delhi, Puducherry is also locked in a power tussle between the Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi and the elected Congress government led by Chief Minister V Narayanasamy. Bedi and Narayanasamy have had a rocky relationship ever since the former took office in 2016.
Inspired by the the Supreme Court’s decision on the AAP vs Centre row, Narayanasamy on Wednesday, 4 July, asserted that the verdict should also apply to Puducherry. Threatening legal action to whoever doesn't comply, he was quoted by the media as saying:
Whoever functions contrary to the judgment now delivered by the apex court would face serious action. I myself would file contempt petition against those failing to act in consonance with the Supreme Court verdict.
Retorting to the CM’s statement, Bedi posted a news report on her Twitter account stating differences in situation between Delhi and Puducherry. Delhi has been given special status by the Constitution under Article 239AA.
Old Turf War
Narayanasamy has on several occasions spoken against Bedi's style of functioning. Last year, he alleged that the L-G was interfering in the day to day administration of the government and undermining power of elected representatives.
The chief minister went as far to call Bedi an "agent of the BJP" after she nominated three BJP members as MLAs. Bedi responded saying that she was only a "agent of the law" and was functioning accordingly.
She issues orders about on-going schemes and order officials without the knowledge of the minister concerned or the chief minister.CM V Narayanasamy
In 2017, the Congress government had passed a resolution to amend the Government of Union Territories Act 1963 in order to restrain Bedi's powers.
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