PUDUCHERRY:Calling the forthcoming 2016 polls in the Union Territory as the real freedom struggle, PCC chief A Namassivayam urged people to teach a lesson to Chief Minister N Rangasamy, who he alleged was not bothered about issues confronting the public.
Addressing a gathering at the office of the Puducherry Pradesh Congress committee, on the occasion of the 61st anniversary of the ‘Liberation Day’ on Sunday, he charged Rangasamy with being unaware of people’s problems and accused him of functioning in an autocratic manner.
Recalling Mahatma Gandhi, who had said real freedom is when a woman wearing ornaments walks on the street at midnight without fear, the PCC chief said murder, burglary, kidnapping and threat to lives are taking place on a day-to-day basis in Puducherry and that women are unable to travel safely on the road even during the day.
He also queried as to what steps are being taken to maintain law and order.
He also questioned the Chief Minister about the action taken on allegations of corruption relating to the admission of students to the government-run Indira Gandhi Government Medical College and Research Institute (IGMCRI).
Namassivayam also said that during the rule of the Congress at the Centre, freedom fighters were treated with due respect and added that the BJP, on coming to power, is trying to undermine the fame of freedom fighters and hide the history of freedom struggle. He added that no one could ever erase the role and history of freedom fighters from the minds of the people.
Earlier, leader of the Opposition V Vaithilingam unfurled the tricolour at the PCC office while Namassivayam hoisted the Congress party flag at the office.
Floral tributes were paid to the portraits of the freedom fighters at the function.