NEW DELHI: With the new BJP government at the Centre is bent upon replacing Governors appointed by the previous UPA government, the AINRC government, an ally of the saffron party, had pitched in to give the boot to the ‘inconvenient’ Lieutenant Governor (LG) Virendra Kataria.
But, Kataria, a Congress veteran, who assumed charge in July last, appears to be in no mood to vacate the gubernatorial office in a huff. As such, he has been maintaining a wait and watch policy. For, he still has full four years of his term left.
The BJP government has decided not to disturb Governors who have only six months to complete their term in office. The AINRC government has not been in good terms with Lt Governor since September last and both have been blaming each other. Chief Minister N Rangasamy has charged Kataria with running a parallel government. The LG came in the firing line of the CM in January last when Rangasamy, at a function in Karaikal, accused him of sidelining the elected government and taking decisions as well as issuing orders without consulting him and the Ministers. According to the Chief Minister the LG was doing whatever pleased him went against the democratic set up. “Does it happen in TN or in any other State,” he asked and stressed the need for granting Statehood for the UT to put an end to such governance.
For his part, Kataria, in a statement refuted charges of running a parallel government.” If I try to improve and enforce the rule of law, have zero tolerance for corruption and try for good governance as per power vested on me, is it running a parallel government?” he asked.
“I am not against the CM. I am here to work with him for the progress and prosperity of the people of Puducherry and there cannot be a compromise on so many issues which are hindering the progress of Puducherry,” Kataria said. The spat which began in September last continued even after the LS elections. AINRC sources said the LG is directly involved in transfer of police officials without the knowledge of CM. Besides, it is alleged that the LG is not clearing files.
The local unit of the BJP is also against the continuance of Kataria. Several organisations have jopined the chorus. Some have also resorted to spiritual ways by breaking coconut in front of Raj Nivas. It is likely that Rangasamy would have raised the issue of replacing Kataria when he called on PM Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh at New Delhi last week.
Not to be undone, Kataria too followed suit and called on both. While Kataria is keeping his fingers crossed, Rangasamy is pinning hopes on the BJP government to get him out.