Congress, AIADMK oppose plan for new assembly building in Puducherry

Puducherry: Opposition Congress and AIADMK today opposed the Puducherry government's move for a new Rs 500 crore assembly premises in the union territory, saying it was a step in the wrong direction in view of critical financial position.

Leader of the Opposition in the assembly and former Chief Minister V Vaithilingam told reporters that the government was already in deep waters and in critical financial position even to implement several welfare measures.

"In the circumstances the move to raise a palatial premise on an extent of seven acres for the Assembly is a step in the wrong direction," he said urging Chief Minister N Rangasamy to cancel the move.

Mr Vaithilingam claimed that the Planning Commission had not given its nod for the new assembly building when funds were sought by the chief minister.

He also flayed the permission granted to a private player to run a liquor shop in a dense residential area in Samipillaithottam near Puducherry.

AIADMK local unit Secretary A Anbalagan, MLA, also opposed the move for a new assembly premises.

The proposal to have a new premise was dropped some years ago, he told reporters and wondered how it had been revised now.