Puducherry CM has sought Lt. Governor’s removal, claims Congress leader

Puducherry CM has sought Lt. Governor’s removal, claims Congress leader

Former Chief Minister and Congress leader V. Narayanasamy on Thursday (May 15, 2025) said the “cold war” between Puducherry Lt. Governor K. Kailashnathan and Chief Minister N. Rangasamy became evident during the recent visit of Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to the Union Territory, when Mr. Rangasamy openly expressed his displeasure over the state of administrative affairs.

“Mr. Rangasamy has openly complained to the Union Minister that he was unhappy with functioning of officials, and that he was not even able to initiate transfers. And my information is that the Chief Minister has taken up with the Union Minister the recall of Mr. Kailashnathan. The Chief Minister wanted the present Lt. Governor to be replaced with someone else,” the former Chief Minister claimed at a press conference.

When asked why the Chief Minister should express displeasure over the conduct of officials and seek the recall of Lt. Governor, the Congress leader said: “Mr. Rangasamy does not like people who follow the rules. He [CM] only wants officials who toe his line and sign on the dotted lines even if the files are in violation of rules. The Chief Minister is upset with Lt. Governor for many reasons, but most importantly, for not clearing the Cabinet proposal for starting liquor bottling and blending units,” Mr. Narayanasamy claimed further.

When reporters reminded him of his previous stand against the Lt. Governor holding official meetings at Raj Nivas, the former Chief Minister said there was nothing wrong with the Lt. Governor conducting review meetings and making field visits. “My opposition to Kiran Bedi [who was the Lt. Governor of Puducherry during the previous Congress government] was about her style of functioning. She used to hold review meetings and give on-the-spot directions to officials, which is not happening in the present case,” he said.

The former Chief Minister further said the Pradesh Congress Committee was in the process of compiling corruption charges against Mr. Rangasamy and his Ministers. “The Congress will submit a chargesheet against the AINRC-BJP government to the President,” he said.