Responding to criticism from certain quarters for his participation in the recent protest in New Delhi seeking Statehood, Speaker V. Vaithilingam said as Chair of the House he has a moral responsibility to express solidarity with the MLAs, former MLAs and political leaders who had taken part in the agitation at Jantar Mantar.
The Legislative Assembly had passed several resolutions demanding Statehood to the Union Territory. The resolutions were passed, including during his tenure as Chief Minister and in his present capacity as Speaker, he told reporters.
Lt. Governor Kiran Bedi and BJP leader V. Saminathan had questioned the participation by the Speaker in an agitation.
Mr. Vaithilingam said he comes from a family of freedom fighters who fought for the liberation of Puducherry from the French rule. He was bound to be part of any movement that fought for the rights of the Union Territory, he said. “Moreover, as Speaker I have to protect the rights of people. The elected Assembly expresses the will of the people and I have to protect the interest of the House. I was there to express solidarity with the members and to ensure that they have a safe stay,” he said.
On Ms. Bedi’s criticism, Mr. Vaithilingam said even the Lieutenant Governor had openly wished the members who participated in the agitation. “I personally went there and wished them,” he said.
Responding to Lt. Governor’s statement that the law would take its course on the Speaker’s decision to participate in the agitation, he said “whatever law catches me will be applicable to her as she had also wished the agitation.”
On the BJP’s leader’s criticism, the Speaker said the BJP should first clarify its stand on Statehood rather finding fault with him. “Let the BJP make its stand clear on Statehood. Does it want Statehood or not?,” he asked.
Mahajan invited
Mr. Vaithilingam said that he, along with Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy, had called on Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to invite her for a special session of the Legislative Assembly planned as part of the150th birth anniversary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi. The special session would be convened after Ms. Mahajan gives her consent, he added.