PUDUCHERRY:Taking exception to the announcement of Oulgaret’s selection under the Smart City project, the DMK on Saturday urged the AINRC government to take steps to enlist Puducherry Municipality under the mission instead.
Alleging conspiracy in Oulgaret’s selection, DMK’s South unit convener Siva said Chief Minister N Rangasamy was biased towards his constituency and in order to cement his vote bank, he made sure that Oulgaret, which comprises Thattanchavady, Indira Nagar and Kadirgamam, assembly constituencies, got selected for the Smart City project. Further, Siva accused the Chief Minister of launching several welfare schemes and establishing government offices in his constituency. A medical college was set up in the CM’s constituency. Now the District Collector’s office has been shifted to the constituency, Siva said in a statement.
Pointing out that Puducherry town had several landmarks such as the promenade, Bharathi Park, Raj Nivas, Legislative Assembly, Aurobindo Ashram, Manakkula Vinayagar temple, several Churches and Basilicas, and French schools, Siva said it was better qualified to become a Smart City. Charging the administration with failing to protect heritage buildings, he cited the collapse of the Mairie Building as example and said several such buildings were in a dilapidated condition.
Puducherry administration should have pointed out these facts to the union government and got the smart city project allotted for Puducherry Municipality. But due to the discriminatory approach of the CM, Oulgaret was recommended, he charged.