The BJP in Puducherry rebutted Congress's criticism regarding the functioning of resto bars. BJP president V.P. Ramalingam stated that the Congress government also promoted resto bars.
Following a murder at a resto bar, the police have acted, and permits for 13 bars have been cancelled due to rule violations. The BJP offered support for stricter regulations near educational institutions and religious sites.
Ramalingam asserted the BJP-AINRC alliance would continue beyond the next Assembly election, despite reports of strain. He addressed accusations of BJP distributing welfare assistance, stating that all alliance partners would work together for the announced candidates.
The BJP organized a rally as part of the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign ahead of Independence Day celebrations and planned several events to promote patriotism.
V. P. Ramalingam, BJP Puducherry unit President, addressing the media at party headquarters in Puducherry on Tuesday. | Photo Credit: KUMAR SS
Hitting back at the Congress party for its criticism against the AINRC-BJP alliance government on issues related to the functioning of resto bars in Puducherry, BJP president V. P. Ramalingam said the previous Congress government too had promoted resto bars in the Union Territory.
Addressing a press conference for the first time after taking over the reigns of BJP’s Puducherry unit, Mr. Ramalingam said the recent murder of a college student at a resto bar was an unfortunate incident.
The police have taken action in the murder case and permits issued to 13 resto bars have been cancelled after the murder following complaints of violation of rules by the liquor outlets. The BJP would offer its support if the Chief Minister initiated steps to control the functioning of bars near educational institutions and religious places, he said.
“The licences were given as part of activities for tourism promotion but if there was a necessity to regulate the functioning of resto bars, the party would extend its support to the move. The former Chief Minister and Congress leader, V. Narayanasamy, has no right to criticise our government as permits to start resto bars were given by the Congress government too. The people of the Union Territory are well aware of the functioning of the Congress government and they are not going to vote for the party in the upcoming election,” he said.
The newly-appointed BJP spokesperson, Arul Murugan, who was present at the press conference, added that four licences had been issued, including to a former Congress MLA, when Mr. Narayanasamy was the Chief Minister.
To a question on reports of strain in the BJP’s alliance with the AINRC, Mr. Ramalingam said the alliance would continue beyond the next Assembly election. “There was no problem in the alliance and the Chief Minister has not complained of anything,” he noted.
On the AIADMK’s charge that BJP leaders were distributing welfare assistance in constituencies from where the AINRC and the AIADMK candidates contested during the last Assembly poll, the BJP president said every party would work towards strengthening its base. “But once the candidates are announced by the alliance leaders, all will work together for the candidate. Strengthening of all allies in every constituency will ensure victory of the alliance,” he said.
Earlier in the day, the BJP took out a rally in the town as part of ‘Har Ghar Tiranga,’ ahead of Independence Day celebrations. The party would organise various programmes to instil patriotism in the minds of the people till August 15.
Published - August 12, 2025 08:56 pm IST
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