Puducherry, Dec 3 (UNI) Puducherry Lt.Governor Kiran Bedi on Monday refuted the claim of former Lok Sabha member Prof.Ramadass that she is not interested in holding local body elections in the Union Territory.

In a Whatsapp message, Ms Bedi said that the contention of Mr Ramadass is factually incorrect, adding, that the matter of holding local body elections is pending with Chief Minister V Narayanasamy since long.
The Chief Minister is avoiding to take a decision on it and has been 'stonewalling' it for several months despite clear directions from the Supreme Court, the Lt Governor pointed out.

Stating that she has requested the Chief secretary to inform the Supreme Court by way of an affidavit as to where the delay is, Ms Bedi said Mr Ramadass should have checked the facts better before categorically accusing her and making personal aspersions.
If Mr Ramadass is keen on seeing local body elections, he needs to find out why the Chief Minister is not sending the file back which is with him for long time and avoiding a decision in violation of time limits given by the Apex Court.

Ms Bedi said that she have been publically stating from day one of her responsibility here that all villages need accountable identified leadership, one which will enable rural administration to work with to lead water harvesting, rural skills, development and among others.

She also said that one of the first information sought by the Prime Minister during his visit to Puducherry was whether the UT has conducted Local Body Elections and added the he too was keen to see the villages have grass root level elected and chosen leadership which would have provided considerable women leadership as well.
Mr Ramadass should file an RTI and find out where the matter is, the Lt Governor said.
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