NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu chief minister and DMK chief on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on Puducherry CM, calling him a “puppet”, claiming that real authority in the union territory is in the hands of the lieutenant governor.Addressing an election rally, MK Stalin accused the Centre of undermining democratic governance in Puducherry by allowing the lieutenant governor to exercise “excessive and overriding powers,” leaving the elected government sidelined. He argued that, despite having an assembly and an elected chief minister, key administrative decisions are effectively controlled by the Centre’s representative.”The chief minister is unable to exercise the powers entrusted to him by the people. Instead, the lieutenant governor has become ‘all in all,” Stalin said, alleging that this imbalance has weakened governance and accountability.The DMK president further brought up the long-pending demand of full statehood for Puducherry. He asserts that such a status will redirect the authority to the elected government and prevent it from what he describes as “backseat governance” by the centrally appointed official.He also criticised the BJP-led Centre, under PM Narendra Modi, for failing to address the demand despite repeated resolutions passed by the Puducherry assembly. According to Stalin, the current arrangement has led to administrative inefficiencies and policy paralysis.Framing the upcoming elections as a referendum on governance, Stalin urged voters to reject what he called a “power imbalance” and support a change that would ensure the chief minister is no longer “reduced to a symbolic role.”About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAfter US Rescue Ops Inside Iran, Question Emerges, Could India Have Attempted Such Mission In 2019?’India’s Global Rise Needs Military Edge’: Michael Rubin Urges Delhi To Match Power With CapabilityGovt Boosts 5-Kg LPG Allocation For Migrants As Supply Pressure GrowsPakistan’s Kolkata Threat Row: TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee Slams PM Modi, Shah With Fiery Response“Mad Dog Has Bitten Them”: Assam CM’s Wife Launches Fiery Attack On CongressPM Modi Hails Nuclear Milestone, India’s Fast Breeder Reactor At Kalpakkam Reaches Criticality Stage“Saved Millions Of Lives”: Trump Repeats Explosive India-Pak Truce Claim Amid Iran WarPakistan To Repay $4.8 Billion In External Debt By June, Including $3.5 Billion To UAE: ReportJaishankar Speaks To Qatar PM, India Ramps Up Diplomatic Outreach Amid Iran EscalationUAPA Terror Case: NIA Court Sends US Citizen, 6 Ukrainians To 30-Day Judicial Custody123PhotostoriesAlia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor’s airport look screams Monaco millionaire energy – let’s decode their quiet luxury momentCarry this with you for wealth and financial stability based on your birth date5 castles where people still live—and you can visit tooPlatinum vs Silver: What are the main differences?Baby names inspired by Lord Hanuman10 ancient ways people preserved food before refrigerators existed8 famous foods that aren’t actually from the countries you thinkWhy rotis turn soggy in casserole & 5 tips to keep them moisture-free6 ultra-rare Bugatti models ever built7 painting styles that elevate your home décor with a luxurious touch123Hot PicksLuka Doncic InjuryUpdated IPL Points TableOil PriceSilver Rate TodayLPG NewsPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingRory McilroyBlake LivelyKerala pollsWest Bengal assembly electionEA FC 26 Team of the SeasonKerala ElectionStrait of HormuzIPL Points TableSchool Holidays in AprilKarnataka 2nd PUC Exam Result Date
NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu chief minister and DMK chief on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on Puducherry CM, calling him a “puppet”, claiming that real authority in the union territory is in the hands of the lieutenant governor.Addressing an election rally, MK Stalin accused the Centre of undermining democratic governance in Puducherry by allowing the lieutenant governor to exercise “excessive and overriding powers,” leaving the elected government sidelined. He argued that, despite having an assembly and an elected chief minister, key administrative decisions are effectively controlled by the Centre’s representative.“The chief minister is unable to exercise the powers entrusted to him by the people. Instead, the lieutenant governor has become ‘all in all,” Stalin said, alleging that this imbalance has weakened governance and accountability.The DMK president further brought up the long-pending demand of full statehood for Puducherry. He asserts that such a status will redirect the authority to the elected government and prevent it from what he describes as “backseat governance” by the centrally appointed official.He also criticised the BJP-led Centre, under PM Narendra Modi, for failing to address the demand despite repeated resolutions passed by the Puducherry assembly. According to Stalin, the current arrangement has led to administrative inefficiencies and policy paralysis.Framing the upcoming elections as a referendum on governance, Stalin urged voters to reject what he called a “power imbalance” and support a change that would ensure the chief minister is no longer “reduced to a symbolic role.”
