Pondy CM, Bedi lock horns over Pongal gift hamper scheme

Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy Saturday warned Lt Governor Kiran Bedi of "very serious repercussions" if she did not concur with his government on the Pongal gift hamper scheme, but the latter hit back asking him to "maintain decorum" in his speech.

Addressing reporters here, Narayanasamy, who has been at loggerheads with Bedi on various issues, said he had on Friday sent a file, informing her that Pongal hampers comprising raisins, cashew nuts and cardamom should be available free of cost to "all families without discrimination".

Attacking Bedi on the Pongal gift hamper issue, he said she would face "very serious repercussions" if she did not see eye to eye with his government on the matter.

"I have made it clear that the benefit should be available for all families, including those belonging to above poverty line category," he added.

He claimed that the recent Madras High Court order, permitting distribution of freebies to all ration card holders in Tamil ...