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Lt. Governor urged to convene Assembly

Special Correspondent

Anbalagan asks Lakhera to intervene

PONDICHERRY: Secretary of the Pondicherry state unit of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and leader of the party's legislature wing, A. Anbalagan called upon Lt. Governor M.M. Lakhera to intervene immediately and convene the first meeting of the new Assembly.

Addressing presspersons at the party office at Uppalam here on Friday he said that it was indeed astonishing to see that the Congress with its individual strength of ten members enjoying the outside and unconditional support of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, the Pattali Makkal Katchi and the Communist party had not been able to form a full fledged government. Although only the Chief Minister had assumed office the other ministers for the six-member cabinet were yet to be inducted.

The delay in forming a full-fledged government was embarrassing newly elected legislators. They were not able to take charge as elected legislators. They could not also go ahead with their duties as MLAs in their constituencies for want of formal induction as legislators, he said.

Pro-tem speaker

Further, election of a pro-tem speaker and Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Parliamentary Secretary and government whip had also been hit because of delay in formation of a cabinet. The cabinet would normally decide the date for the convening of the Assembly.

But the cabinet itself was yet to be formed. Hence in the circumstances the Lt Governor could use his residuary powers and convene the session of the new Assembly, he added.

Mr. Anbalagan also said that the Congress was making a mockery of democracy by such procrastination in forming a full-fledged government.

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