Kiran Bedi denies rift with Puducherry govt

CHENNAI: Puducherry lieutenant governor (L-G) Kiran Bedi on Saturday rejected claims that there was friction between her and the union territory’s government, stating that she and chief minister V Narayanasamy were evolving a new model of collaborative governance.

In an exclusive interview to Hindustan Times, the governor said that there was a spirit of cooperation between her and Puducherry’s Congress government. “The ministers are attending the presentations and are responsive to the ideas and initiatives that are aimed at making Puducherry a better place,” Bedi said. She dismissed the speculation that her initiatives were being resented by the government. Narayanasamy echoed her views, calling the reports of a tussle between the two “false”. “L-G is doing her work as per the Constitution and we have undertaken joint programmes also,” he said. Unlike Delhi, where the AAP government is engaged in a tussle with L-G Najeeb Jung, Bedi and Narayanasamy hinted at being on the same page. “All the initiatives suggested by me have been welcomed by the ministers and the government is taking them up with enthusiasm,” Bedi said.

The governor said ensuring the safety of the people of Puducherry was her top priority. Bringing all her policing experience into play, she initiated a ground level beat policing concept.