Puducherry,Oct 13 (PTI) Opposition AIADMK today said thatPresident Ram Nath Kovind's 'advice' to Governors and LtGovernors that incumbents of gubernatorial posts shouldconnect with MLAs in their states to register development wasparticularly relevant to the union territory.
The ruling Congress and Lt Governor Kiran Bedi have beenat loggerheads over many issues ever since she assumed officein May last year.
The President had said that Governors can provide a newdimension to the development of their states by communicatingwith legislators and deliberating on subjects related topublic well-being.
Addressing a two-day conference of governors and Ltgovernors of states and union territories yesterday, Kovindhad said their obligation to commit themselves to the welfareof the people was more pronounced in the "current paradigm ofcooperative federalism".
Speaking to reporters here, AIADMK's legislature wingleader A Anbalagan said Bedi and the elected government havehad tussles on many issues, disrupting development.
He said that if she invited AIADMK legislators to RajNivas in keeping with Kovind's advice, "we will respond andhold deliberations as envisaged by the President".
Alleging that there was 'constant neglect' of AIADMK MLAsby the Congress Chief Minister here without associating themwith any functions of the government and other institutions intheir constituencies, he said the Chief Minister should alsokeep in mind the task of honouring the elected legislators.
"If the Chief Minister does not show respect tolegislators how can he (Chief Minister) expect Lt Governor tohonour elected representatives`, he added.
He said that as Chairman of the Estimates Committeewould call for a copy of the agreement the government hadinked with French authorities for implementation of thedevelopmental schemes with French assistance including theSmart City project.
He took strong exception to the government's 'lack ofinitiatives' in equipping the government general hospital herewith necessary staff, equipment and adequate quantum of bloodto meet the rising demand from dengue affected patients. PTICOR APRAPR.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.