NEW DELHI, 17 February 2021, (TON): A communique from the Rashtrapati Bhavan by Indian President Kovind said, “The President has directed that Dr. Kiran Bedi shall cease to hold the office of the Lieutenant-Governor of Puducherry and has appointed Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan, Governor of Telangana, to discharge the functions of the Lieutenant-Governor of Puducherry, in addition to her own duties.”

Kiran Bedi was removed as Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry late on Tuesday evening. Telangana Governor Tamilsai Soundararajan has been given additional charge of the Union Territory until regular arrangements are made.

Withdrawal of Dr. Kiran Bedi from the post has been highly resented and some locals took to the streets Wednesday to protest unjust presidential order. Protesters were chanting slogans against Tamilsai Soundararajan and Indian President for dragging the office into the politics. There are unjustified reports that Dr. Kiran Bedi had soft corner for Pakistan. Her statements including, “Imagine good relations with Pakistan? Would love to bike to Lahore from Amritsar. My parents used to go, see a movie there & return same day,” are taken negatively.

Congress leadership has expressed concern, claiming the move was to further weaken Congress ahead of elections in May 2021. The Presidential order was issued at a time when Congress leader resigned from the Assembly, leaving Congress government on the brink of collapse.

Narayanasamy who resigned from Congress and joined BJP said in a statement that the removal of Kiran Bedi as Lieutenant-Governor of Puducherry is a victory for the people.   Congress leaders have started resigning including Narayanasamy , E Theeppainjan, Malladi Krishna Rao and John Kumar so far while another N Dhanavelou, was disqualified last year for alleged anti-party activities.