Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin Launches Scathing Attack on Puducherry Governance
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK chief MK Stalin delivered a sharp critique on Tuesday, targeting Puducherry Chief Minister and labeling him a "puppet" in a heated political confrontation. Stalin asserted that real authority in the union territory is firmly held by the lieutenant governor, undermining the elected government's role.
Allegations of Democratic Erosion in Puducherry
Addressing an election rally, Stalin accused the central government of eroding democratic governance in Puducherry by permitting the lieutenant governor to wield "excessive and overriding powers." He claimed this has effectively sidelined the elected administration, despite the presence of an assembly and a chief minister chosen by the people.
"The chief minister is unable to exercise the powers entrusted to him by the people. Instead, the lieutenant governor has become ‘all in all," Stalin declared, highlighting what he described as a severe imbalance that weakens governance and accountability structures.
Push for Full Statehood and Criticism of BJP-Led Centre
Stalin further emphasized the long-standing demand for full statehood for Puducherry, arguing that such a status would transfer authority back to the elected government and prevent what he termed "backseat governance" by a centrally appointed official. He criticized the BJP-led central government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for neglecting this demand, even after repeated resolutions were passed by the Puducherry assembly.
According to Stalin, the current administrative setup has resulted in significant inefficiencies and policy paralysis, hampering effective governance in the region.
Elections Framed as Referendum on Governance
Framing the upcoming elections as a critical referendum on governance issues, Stalin urged voters to reject the existing "power imbalance" and support changes that would ensure the chief minister is no longer "reduced to a symbolic role." He called for a shift towards more autonomous and accountable leadership in Puducherry.
This political clash underscores ongoing tensions between state governments and union territories over administrative control, with Stalin positioning the DMK as a champion for stronger local governance and democratic principles.
