Reiterating the call for a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation into the distillery issue, former Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy on Monday said the Congress party was in favour of government initiating action against all those involved irrespective of their political affiliations.
“We want the government to probe the issue so that truth will come out. Whoever is involved, whether it is ruling party or opposition, government should initiate action against those behind the illegal allocation of permission to start distillery,” he said addressing a press conference.
He made the remarks during the press conference when reporters asked him whether he was raising the distillery issue due to reported differences the Congress party had with ally DMK as there are allegations that some DMK members are linked to the distillery licensing subject.
“We don’t have any differences with DMK. Each party within INDIA bloc takes decisions on their own and functions accordingly but we take up common stand on issues. INDIA bloc stands strong. The Congress party has raised several allegations of corruption, including distillery and Smart city projects but the government has not uttered a word. We have even complained to the Lt Governor and await a response from him,” he said.
Asked whether he is interested to fight Assembly polls, he said such matters are decided by the party high command and there was no relevance to his personal interests on his fighting the polls. “The Congress party is preparing for the elections and we are conducting meetings of workers Assembly-wise,” he said.
Criticising Chief Minister N. Rangasamy for his praise of the Union Budget, the Congress leader said Mr Rangasamy should tell the people the benefits for UT from the budget. The Union Budget had set aside around ₹ 3,450 crore as Normal Central Assistance which was only around 20 % of UT’s budget outlay. There was no schemes allotted for Puducherry, he said.
“When we were in power, the Normal Central Assistance was 28 % of UT’s budgetary outlay and now it has been reduced to 20 %. There is nothing for UT to cheer about but the Chief Minister has praised the budget because of political compulsions,” he said.
Published – February 03, 2025 10:39 pm IST