Days after Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy launched a scathing attack on him, Lt Governor Virendra Kataria today asked him "to take care of the poor and improve the administrative set-up instead of indulging in petty politics."
In a three-page rejoinder, the Lt Governor pointed out that his attention was drawn to the statement the Chief Minister had made (in Karaikal) and reported in the media on January 13.
Rangasamy had accused him of ignoring him (the Chief Minister) and acting only on the advice of some top officials.
"Powers to me have been vested by the law and the Constitution confirmed by the Supreme court. Under rule 21 (5) of the Business of the Government of Puducherry 1963 and also under the Article 239 of Constitution, I want to make it loud and clear that I always act in public interest as per powers vested in me."
Recalling the 'hue and cry' from every section of society about the activities of goonda elements, the Lt Governor said there was no safety of life and property and he had to take strong measures as "no remedial measures were taken by concerned people". He wanted to know whether he had committed any crime by such measures.
Referring to the prerogative available under the statute to him, Kataria said as Administrator of Puducherry he could call any officer of the State for "fine tuning and for efficient running of the government. If I try to improve and enforce the rule of law and have zero tolerance for corruption and try for good governance does it mean that I am running a parallel government?," he asked.
He also described as "misstatement" the allegation that the files "sent to me are withheld for months together."
"It is also a patent lie that it has affected the developmental works."
He also wanted to know if he was running a parallel government when he could not agree to put a PCS (Puducherry Civil Service) officer in the cadre post of IAS in violation of rules. "I am sorry I cannot help," he added.
Asking the Chief Minister to take care of the poor and improve the administrative set up instead of indulging in "petty politics", he said he was "not against Chief Minister but is here to work with him for progress and prosperity of the people of Puducherry. "
He also hastened to state that "there cannot be any compromise on so many issues hindering the progress of Puducherry.
