Prez appeal to Governors, Lt Governors welcomed by AIADMK

Opposition AIADMK today said that President Ram Nath Kovind's 'advice' to Governors and Lt Governors that incumbents of gubernatorial posts should connect with MLAs in their states to register development was particularly relevant to the union territory.

The ruling Congress and Lt Governor Kiran Bedi have been at loggerheads over many issues ever since she assumed office in May last year.

The President had said that Governors can provide a new dimension to the development of their states by communicating with legislators and deliberating on subjects related to public well-being.

Addressing a two-day conference of governors and Lt governors of states and union territories yesterday, Kovind had said their obligation to commit themselves to the welfare of the people was more pronounced in the "current paradigm of cooperative federalism".
 

Speaking to reporters here, AIADMK's legislature wing leader A Anbalagan said Bedi and the elected government have had tussles on many issues, disrupting development.

He said that if she invited AIADMK legislators to Raj Nivas in keeping with Kovind's advice, "we will respond and hold deliberations as envisaged by the President".

Alleging that there was 'constant neglect' of AIADMK MLAs by the Congress Chief Minister here without associating them with any functions of the government and other institutions in their constituencies, he said the Chief Minister should also keep in mind the task of honouring the elected legislators.

"If the Chief Minister does not show respect to legislators how can he (Chief Minister) expect Lt Governor to honour elected representatives', he added.

He said that as Chairman of the Estimates Committee would call for a copy of the agreement the government had inked with French authorities for implementation of the developmental schemes with French assistance including the Smart City project.

He took strong exception to the government's 'lack of initiatives' in equipping the government general hospital here with necessary staff, equipment and adequate quantum of blood to meet the rising demand from dengue affected patients.