Express News Service
PUDUCHERRY: The inauguration of the iconic Marie building reconstructed with World Bank funding, which was scheduled for Friday, has been postponed on the directions of Lt Governor Kiran Bedi after she took offence at not having been invited for the event, which had Chief Minister V Narayanasamy as the chief guest.
Bedi said the Marie building is a landmark in the history of Puducherry and 100 percent funded by the central government. This is one of the important works sanctioned by the Centre under the Coastal Disaster Risk Reduction Project (CDRRP) at a cost of 14 crore. The central government has availed a loan of Rs 3,244 crore for the CDRRP from the World Bank and released it to the UT government as a 100% grant for various works.
Express News Service
PUDUCHERRY: In a major setback to the Congress, the party lost two members PWD minister A Namassivayam (who was also former PCC President) and Ossudu constituency MLA S Theeppainthan who tendered their resignations to the Speaker V P Sivakozhunthu on Monday morning.
Namassivayam also resigned from the post of Minister and MLA. They were accompanied by state BJP president V Saminathan when they met the Speaker, giving all indications of the two joining the BJP. After waiting for acceptance of the resignation, Namassivayam is slated to go to Delhi and join the party.
Namassivayam’s quitting the party has led to the resignation of 16 office bearers of the Pradesh Congress Committee and its frontal wings.
Express News Service
PUDUCHERRY: The ruling Congress may suffer a set back with PWD minister and former PCC President A Namassivayam speculated to quit Congress and join the BJP during the visit of BJP National President J P Nadda s visit to Puducherry on January 29 and 30.
The minister last night held a meeting with his supporters at a marriage Hall in his constituency at Villianur to hear out the views of his political supporters before he makes the move. This meeting is seen as a prelude to taking the major decision. I am discussing about my future political plight , he told journalists. However, he said that no decision on his quitting Congress and joining BJP has been taken. Political decisions will be taken as per the prevailing political situation , said Namassivayam.
Express News Service
PUDUCHERRY: Ahead of the dharna agitation planned by Congress and allies under the leadership of Chief Minister V Narayanasamy from January 8 onwards demanding recall of Lt Governor Kiran Bedi, the District Administration has imposed several restrictions and has called in the Central Armed Paramilitary Forces (CAPF) for assisting the police in maintenance of law and order.
Three companies of CAPF have arrived in Puducherry, DGP Balaji Srivastava said.
The DGP said that while the right to protest is a fundamental right and that it can be exercised subject to public order.
But the protest has to be within the framework of the law and the restrictions of the District Administration, adhering to health regulations and maintenance of law and order.
Express News Service
PUDUCHERRY: At a time when the Karnataka and Tamil Nadu governments have banned New Year revelry in their respective states, the Puducherry government has decided to allow celebrations in open spaces including Beach road. A large number of people congregate here every year to usher in the New Year.
The New Year revelry, Christmas, Sani Peyarchi festival and Pongal celebrations would be permitted with strict adherence to COVID-19 safety norms and guidelines of the government, Chief Minister V Narayanasamy said.
Shortly after chairing a meeting of the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) at the Chief Secretariat on Tuesday, the Chief Minister addressing a press conference said that the Supreme Court order relates to fire accidents in hospitals and had nothing to do with COVID-19 restrictions, pointing to the Puducherry District Collector’s order restricting celebrations during festivals citing a Supreme Court order.