PUDUCHERRY : Over 100 AIADMK workers, including legislator Vaiyapuri Manikandan, were arrested when they attempted to show black flags to Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Kiran Bedi, who visited Muthialpet on Sunday The L-G had earlier announced that she would be inspecting the Muthialpet market, which was constructed at a cost of `53 lakh on Sunday.Hearing the news, over 100 AIADMK workers led by MLA Vaiyapuri Manikandan gathered in Muthialpet, wielding black flags and shouting slogans against the L-G. They alleged that Bedi blocked the proposal for a water treatment plant in that area.
An altercation between police and the AIADMK workers ensued when the former tried to thwart the party workers’ attempt to show black flags to the L-G. Reportedly, police used force to arrest and remove them and in the process, Manikandan’s shirt was torn when Superintendent of Police Venkatasamy allegedly pulled on it.Speaking to mediapersons later, Manikandan said that he had approached the government for a water purification plant in Muthialpet area since drinking water in the area had a saline taste and a proposal to this effect was drawn.
“The file pertaining to was forwarded to the Lieutenant Governor, who failed to sanction it... Thus, the agitation is against the L-G,” he added.However, Bedi ignored the agitation. She later told mediapersons that works of the market were completed and it would be inaugurated in December.
When asked about the agitation led by Manikandan, Bedi said, “ I am not concerned about any agitation... I am here to serve the public... No one can prevent me from doing the public work,”During her visit to the market, officials on the site told the L-G that construction works were almost complete and that they were awaiting electricity connection.
Puducherry Municipal Commissioner Ganesan said 72 fish platforms, 48 provisions and general merchandise shops and 72 vegetable platforms would be ready for use after completion of works, providing benefits to over 190 vendors. When asked about the allotment criteria, he clarified that only those vendors who had occupied the spots earlier and were temporarily relocated to the nearby Vellavari Canal location would be alloted space in the market.Other occupants such as flower, vegetable and fruit vendors, who are currently doing business on the sides of the road, would also be brought back.
Explaining this process, he informed the L-G that each previous occupant had been photographed and each had filled out an application.Bedi instructed the Commissioner to complete all the pending works by November and open the market on an auspicious day in December.The L-G then visited MAS Colony in Reddiarpalayam to inspect the progress in the cleaning of a blocked drain, reported through a complaint sent on WhatsApp. Observing the progress, she instructed respective officers to attend to public grievances on a priority basis.Bedi refutes allegation
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi on Sunday said that some persons were spreading false information that her office was blocking a Reverse Osmosis plant. The L-G’s office has no objection towards the plant, she clarified.She advised the MLA to check with the Minister concerned to know where, why and with whom the file was pending and for how long. She also advised the MLA to check with L-G’s office before protesting.