Puducherry ex-Lt governor may move court over removal

Dismissed Puducherry Lt Governor Virendra Kataria on Thursday said he was open to moving court to challenge his removal by the Centre.

Kataria, who was sacked on July 11, alleged that his removal was plotted by Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangaswamy, with whom he was at loggerheads over administrative issues.

He said he was not aware of the reasons why he was removed from the post, and would try to ascertain the reasons behind it. He had earlier said he would try to get the facts related to his removal through RTI.

“It is not just through RTI. I do not know whether RTI is applicable to such issues. Like you (journalists) have sources, I too have sources, and I will try to ascertain facts. I don't know the reason why I was removed,” he told a “Meet the Press” programme organised by the Press Club of India.

Once he gets to know the reason behind his removal, he may move court contesting it, he said. As per a 2010 Supreme Court verdict, a governor can be removed only after being given proper reasons.

“Everything is under consideration. I want to know what crime I have committed for this punishment,” said Kataria when asked whether he would move court against the decision. Kataria also said he had sought appointment with President Pranab Mukherjee to explain his side and seek the reason behind his removal.

Kataria also alleged that the Puducherry administration under Rangaswamy was corrupt, and that he had objected to their ways. “The mantra in Puducherry is you enjoy the plundering and let others do the same.

The chief secretary came to me too with the offer of money on behalf of the people in power, and had a rebuff from me. This was reported to then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh,” alleged Kataria in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He alleged that the chief minister and the chief secretary were after him as he was an obstacle. Kataria also claimed that Rangaswamy offered support to the NDA and his first demand was to sack him.

“Rangaswamy was a Congress man. Then he formed a splinter group. The BJP was against him and had complained several times to me earlier. Now he is with them. His first demand for support to the NDA was my removal,” he said.