PUDUCHERRY: Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit is doing in “letter and spirit” exactly what the leadership in Delhi is wanting Governors and Lt governors to do, that is to connect with people, said Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi.
“He has not followed me, but was doing what he had been doing during his earlier tenure”, said Bedi in response to a question on Tamil Nadu governor holding official review meeting in Coimbatore and Swachh Bharat campaign.
“Whatever we are doing is what has been reiterated by the Prime minister and President, that we have to reach out to people “, she said and added that during the last governor’s conference, governors and Lt Governors were advised to meet people, NGOs and inspire youth. Even the Swachhata work has been inspired by Prime minister and president.“All that you see now was desired (by the leadership)”, she said.
Bedi questions on why the governors should not connect with people. “ What is otherwise the governor for? To be in a large prison of a governor’s house? If you cannot connect you are in prison", said Bedi and added that no governor comes to be captive.
Puducherry Raj Nivas connecting with people is inspiring others. Connecting with people, understanding people, serving people is the job of every public servant which includes governor’s and Lt governor, she said. Connecting with officials too is governor’s work, she said. “ Why sending files to governor for approval?" she asks. Governors who are chancellors of state universities can inspire youth, she said and said that as Lt governor, she is the rector of Pondicherry Central University, but the role is not properly defined.
With regard to the controversy blowing over nominated MLAs in Puducherry, she said that the matter is before the High court and let the court decide.